Beneath the Plum Tree

An Interactive Fiction Story | Historical | Character-Driven | Philosophical |

[beneaththeplumtree]

Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌 - DEMO II

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Demo II out now!

After a month of intensive plotting and writing, I am very excited to announce that Demo II of Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌 has now been released!

You can find the updated demo on the COGDemos website, through the following link:

New content!

This is the first major update to the public demo. It adds 2 new chapters for you to read, bringing the total length of the public demo up to 5 chapters! In these new chapters...

Experience the splendour of the imperial capital during the Summer Solstice celebrations.

Meet new major characters, from boastful farmers to boisterous captains.

Hear a shaman's prophecies and ominous whispers from court.

Deepen your relationships with your townspeople, and your uncle... maybe.

What is next?

Now that Demo II is done, I am hoping to make a LOT of progress on the next chapters in the coming months. I have about 9 written right now, but there are many more to go - as you can see in this outline I shared a few weeks ago.

The next update to the public demo will release in September, and add not 2, but 3 new chapters!

In the meantime, I will continue to make regular posts and updates here on my Tumblr page. Also, feel free to ask me any questions, and please let me know what you think of the update!

Hope you enjoy! :)

[beneaththeplumtree]

Beneath the Plum Tree - Update, May 2026

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This month truly did go by so fast.

It was a strange month for me. Personal issues took me out of writing for the better part of a week. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to finish the two chapters I had hoped to finish this month.

But one of them is about 80% done, and the other is outlined and about halfway written. I am hoping to finish these two soon :). I also spent a lot of time editing finished chapters, and plotting future chapters. So it is not like no progress was made -- just daily life giving me a bit of a reality check.

And so we go steadily on. :)

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For now, I would really like your input on what sort of content you would most like to see for the next post :)

I would like to see:

A deeper dive into the Five Elements personality mechanic!

A deeper dive into the five subplots!

Small teasers of the chapters to come!

Voting ended onMay 31

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[beneaththeplumtree]

Uncle Hou 厚叔

"Paths paved with duty are stronger than those paved with hopes and dreams. Not the road you may choose. Well-tread. Dull, perhaps. But often, they will lead you onto steadier ground, where you may build something truly lasting."

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Ah, uncle Hou.

Gruff, irritable, hardworking uncle Hou.

A man of few words and many a grumble.

Six years you have lived with him, in that stilted houses on the riverbank. Far away from your home in the east... and your family.

Six years he has been distant, solemn, treating you as if you were barely even there.

Until recently.

Something is changed within him. Less angry, and more... melancholic. He looks you in the eyes now, but his gaze is filled with something you cannot place.

And he speaks of filial piety, of responsibility to one's family... but... why is he here then? Far from his family? What history shackles this complicated man?

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Uncle Hou is quite possibly one of my favourite characters in Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌. Also probably the most important one, beside the protagonist themselves. His character arc throughout the book is fundamentally intertwined with the protagonist's development.

And it is a hell of an arc he has ahead of him 👀 one that I am very eager to share!

Also - look at this incredible art! It was made by a close and very talented friend of mine, and it is the first official art for Beneath the Plum Tree. And there is more art coming for the other characters, so stay tuned!

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[beneaththeplumtree]

I just caught up with this and wanted to share that I think your writing is so beautiful and descriptive. Reading scenes feels like stepping into paintings. I'm excited to see how the story develops!

That might be the most flattering description of my writing I have heard :')

I can imagine my style of writing not being everyone's cup of tea, as it is quite flowery and descriptive.

So I really appreciate it and I'm happy to have you following the story! ^^

[beneaththeplumtree]

OOOOOH I really really like the natural progression you described ! When I know of the RO's and when there are ways to identify which options leads to something ( whether it be a symbol for friendship/love/hatred or an indication of the relationship going up like with the 0 to 100% bars in the characters list of the game ) I tend to try the different options to get the best outcome instead of playing naturally ( it's still very nice to have some form of indication, but it also has its drawbacks ) so I am VERY excited to play an IF where we are almost as blind as the MC when it comes to who to romance and how they see us !

You also said that the game is set in a very Confucian time, very family oriented, so I wonder - will there be an option for an MC who doesn't want kids ? I presume they won't be treated or viewed well ( especially if they are a woman ? ) and I'm totally fine with realism, even when it is negative, just wanted to know if it was going to be mentioned. If not, that is totally alright too, it's your game !

I hope you have a nice day/evening ! 🍃

I'm very happy to hear that it interests you!

I want the story to not be very stat heavy I think, and any stats that there are I want to make as diegetic as I possible. So for your playstyle, you will probably have to experiment a bit as to which choices do what :)

As to your other question: I have no plans for including the protagonist having children, but perhaps the topic of children will come up in passing. And a protagonist who does not want to have any children would, historically, definitely be judged negatively in this society.

But I don't plan on making it a prominent topic :)

Thank you for your questions!

[beneaththeplumtree]

Is it okay to ask who are the two Romantic Options? And I was also wondering if same gender relationships will have flavor text, or if in the game's universe it's a common/not frowned upon thing? Thank you 🌈

I appreciate you asking!

But I will not be going into the identity of the story's ROs at this moment -- not yet.

Mostly because... I don't really approach my characters in that way. I don't write them with the intention of them being romantic options or love interests, really. The story is much more focused on their complicated personalities and psychologies, and their thematic function in the story.

There may be the possibility of their relationship with the protagonist to start showing hints of something beyond friendship eventually. But if so, it will happen very organically and naturally.

I suppose that is also why I don't really want to put the label of 'romantic option' or 'love interest' on these characters. I hope that makes sense.

And also because one of the characters with whom there is that potential I haven't revealed yet at all! So I want to save that for a later date :)

As to the topic of same-sex relationships: in this historical time period, they were... complicated. It is a deeply Confucian society with strict expectations, particularly around family. So anything that is seen to interfere with that is, ah... frowned upon. Even if same-sex relationships weren't as taboo or shunned on a moral level compared to other time periods.

I think I will add some flavour text for this. I feel like it would be authentic and realistic. Though I also do not want anyone's protagonist to be automatically prejudiced against because of their choices. I will do my best to strike a careful balance :)

Thank you for your question!

[beneaththeplumtree]

Is this story Wuxia, or is it more historically grounded?

It is definitely more historically grounded. :)

The story follows historical events from the late Han Dynasty and definitely tries to portray this time period as accurately as possible.

I might play with some wuxia tropes at some point 👀 but Beneath the Plum Tree is overwhelmingly historical fiction.

Thank you for your question!

[beneaththeplumtree]

Beneath the Plum Tree - Outlining the Story

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Hi, everyone!

In the last post, I mentioned that ACT I of the story is now done, and that I am now starting writing ACT II.

Exciting... but I know that might sound a little abstract and it might be difficult to visualise the progress I'm making on this story.

So today, I wanted to take a moment to share with you the complete (preliminary) outline for Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌：

ACT I consists of the prologue and the first seven chapters, meaning that ACT I is completed, and 8 chapters long, total.

ACT II is far larger. Not only does it have a handful of 'general' chapters, it also branches into five subplots of 8 chapters each. The reader will choose two out of those five subplots, meaning that ACT II is somewhere around 22 chapters long total in any given playthrough.

(And about 46 chapters for me to write. Whew.)

ACT III wraps up the story fairly quickly, in 3 chapters.

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I hope this gives you all a bit of a sense of what Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌 will look like as a completed story, and what to expect from me in the future.

I'm writing the story fairly chronologically. ACT I is finished. I have started writing the first chapters of ACT II. And then I think I will work through the subplots one by one.

Meanwhile... I'm still very busy coding Chapter II and Chapter V to be added to the public demo at the end of this month!

I am very curious to hear what everyone thinks of those two chapters.

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[beneaththeplumtree]

Beneath the Plum Tree - Update, March 2026

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I have some good news for this month's update!

Yesterday, I finished Chapter VII! Which means that, as of yesterday,

ACT I of Beneath the Plum Tree is now officially complete! :)

The first act of the story consists of the prologue + the first seven chapters. It really is the first in a typical three-act structure, setting up the world and major characters... and introducing the threat the protagonist will be facing in this book.

Now that ACT I is done... things are really starting to pick up. Things are changing swiftly. Dangerously so. The outside world has penetrated the safety and calm of He Chen.

And the protagonist has an important choice to make now.

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Also!

Since April is just around the corner, it is time for me to get busy not only with writing the next few chapters (chapters VIII and IX are on the agenda this month!), but also with coding.

Because...

The DEMO for Beneath the Plum Tree will be updated at the end of April!

Two more chapters will be added for you to read, so that the demo consists of the prologue and the first five chapters of the story.

I am thrilled that the story is really starting to pick up now, and I am excited for you to read fhe next few chapters soon :)

Stay tuned!

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[beneaththeplumtree]

Character Spotlight -- Sang Kao 桑丂

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In Chapter II, you will be meeting the character Sang Kao 桑丂, one of the colourful personalities of He Chen that will be present throughout the story!

He may be Madam Sang's son, but he seems to have neither the warmth nor the wisdom his mother has. Sang Kao is all lazy smiles, boastful words, and well-filled cups of wine. His greatest pride is his name - not many in He Chen can boast of being the scion of a named clan.

And he is eager to remind all those around gim of that fact.

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“A new emperor crowned is a far cry from a land remade,” says Sang Kao, a sharp, wry smile on his lips. “A young flower blooms upon the throne, and yet the roots beneath remain rotten.”

Your uncle clenches his jaw. “A true poet you are.”

“I do try.” Sang's features seem as if split in two — his smile is wide, warm and white as it always is. But his eyes smile not.

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As you may have guessed, uncle Hou has a particular dislike for him.

In the story, as He Chen finds itself in more and more difficult times... will Sang Kao remain the arrogant, carefree, but ultimately harmless son he is? Or will he change into something... more dangerous?

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[beneaththeplumtree]

I can not contain my excitement when I saw your work! Finally someone is doing a romance of three kingdom IF! I played briefly and once I get the chance I will bing read it lol. I want to ask how would we join this perilous period? Will we get to side with one of the groups - 刘备 Liu，曹Cao，孙Sun？Or would we carve our own path here? And maybe would it be okay for me to ask in Chinese? 看到您的作品我真的感到很兴奋！与三国里的人物们将会多么有意思呀w 我特别喜欢三国里的谋士们，孔明周瑜荀彧郭嘉等等....或许我们会有机会和他们互动吗？

Thank you for your kind encouragement :)

Do let me know what you think once you get around to reading the rest of the demo! I'm eager to hear your thoughts

As to your question, Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌 will stay fairly close to the ground and focus on the protagonist and their own journey through this chaotic and dangerous time in history. I definitely mean to retell some of the major historical events through their eyes, so you will definitely see some historical figures pass by!

For those more familiar with the history and the novel, there will be quite a lot of fun easter eggs to discover :)

So I would say... do not expect the protagonist to be chatting up Liu Xuande anytime soon ;)

But definitely do expect a lot of references to historical characters and events!

总之

《三国演义》主要是关于诸侯和英雄人物的故事。《李下之歌》想从平民的角度描写这个历史时代 :)

我也好喜爱《三国演义》的谋士们！孔明，郭嘉，賈詡 -- 或许主角将来自己也会成为谋士 👀

感谢您的问题! 🙌

请见谅我的中文不太好 :')

[beneaththeplumtree]

Beneath the Plum Tree - Update, February 2026

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Second update of the year already?

This month went by really fast. It was a short one. But it was also a fruitful one. Because even though I did not manage my goal of finishing two more chapters this month...

Chapters V and VI are both about 90% done!

So I did almost make it.

So close.

I have figured out that working on two chapters at the same time really helps me. If I get stuck on one, I switch to the other.

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This month's chapters are exciting to me. A bit slower than last month's. A bit more intimate, smaller in scope, more focused on character. One character in particular, as they finally shed some light on why uncle Hou seems to be acting the way he is...

"A tear. Catching the candlelight. Surely you cannot be seeing that..."

Even though I do wish I had finished these chapters in their entirety this month, I am actually really happy with how they turned out so far. They have some great character work in there. In fact, they are the reason why uncle Hou might be one of my favourite characters in the story. 👀

I'm eager to tell you more.

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Finally. Quick question. This one is important.

Which approach do you prefer for the updates of the DEMO?

More frequent updates -- but smaller.

Less frequent updates -- but larger. (Original Schedule)

Voting ended onMar 6

[beneaththeplumtree]

Hiii! Im sorry if this was asked before, I couldn't find it, Im okey with not romance in a IF, but I adore when there's only one or two ROs, now, you can date them being same gender? Mxm or wxw?

Thanks!

You definitely can.

The protagonist's chosen gender has no impact whatsoever on the choices they can make, their relationships, or any such thing :)

Thank you for your question!

[beneaththeplumtree]

Are there any RO options or no?

I get this question a lot! :)

Yes, there are -- but with a bit of a caveat.

Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌 is not focused on romance. It is very character driven, so there will be many complex and intriguing characters for you to get to know and get attached to -- but actual romance will be fairly low key and limited to two characters. One male, one female.

So the option for some romance is there for those who want it! But it will not be as prominent as in some other IFs.

Thank you for your question!

[beneaththeplumtree]

Beneath the Plum Tree -- Historical Context I: The Han Dynasty

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話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分.

"It is said that such is the nature of All Under Heaven — the Empire, long divided, must unite — long united, must divide."

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The Han Dynasty.

Often considered a golden age in Chinese history because of its immense wealth, military might, technological advances, and incredible cultural weight.

The Han Dynasty was founded by Emperor Gaozu, whose name was Liu Bang 劉邦, in 202 BCE. Ruled by the house of Liu 劉, it succeeded the Qin Dynasty, and ruled over a larger territory than any Chinese dynasty before it. It subjugated the Xiongnu tribes in the north, fought the Yue people's in the south, and vanquished the Chu that rose against it.

It saw the enlivening of the Silk Roads, bringing great wealth. It adopted Confucianism as official state philosophy. It founded the great Imperial Academy, to train scholars, officials, and courtiers.

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At the start of Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌, it is the year 189 CE, and the Han is almost 400 years old. And cracks are beginning to show. Failed harvests, flooding rivers, strange celestial events...

The Empire is brittle. The eunuchs at court, once the Emperor's loyal attendants, have grown corrupt and power-hungry. The Yellow Turban Rebellion emerged some years before, threatening the legitimacy of the Han and scarring the land. And as the power of the imperial government dwindles, ambitious warlords start amassing their own influence.

Now, Emperor Ling has suddenly died around the age of 32, leaving behind a broken dynasty. The Grand Commandant wishes for one of his sons to succeed him. The eunuchs favour another. Both mere children.

And then there is you. You are no scholar, no wealthy noble, no great general. No, you are the child of a ship carpenter, in a creaking house in a small village. Now come of age, it is time to step into this uncertain, changing world.

You are a leaf carried on winds you cannot control... let not the tides of history pull you under!

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[beneaththeplumtree]

Beneath the Plum Tree -- Update, January 2026

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Hello there :)

Now that the first month of the new year is about to end, I wanted to give a quick update on my progress on the story so far! I will do this at the end of each month, so you will be up to date on what I am up to regarding Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌.

I finished writing 2 chapters this first month! Which I am very happy with :)

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Chapter II (the actual chapter II, as the second chapter in the demo is actually chapter III in the story) is titled 田社 tiánshè. It refers to the spirits/gods of the fields and the land, because this chapter centres around the yearly agricultural rites in He Chen! Expect a chapter full of foreshadowing, and deeper exploration of characters such as uncle Hou, master Wan, and madam Sang. :)

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Chapter IV is titled 洛陽 Luòyáng -- after the imperial capital of the Han. As teased in the demo, the Summer Solstice is here! The imperial capital is alive with festivity and celebration, and the protagonist is there for all of it. They will have a chance to experience the wealth and splendour of the capital, meet new characters, and learn a thing or two about what sorts of ominous things are truly going on at court...

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I have been trying hard to make my writing a more consistent effort -- instead of relying on the bursts of creative hyperfocus that usually drive my writing. So I'm very pleased that I managed to start the year off so productively!

Stay tuned :)

[beneaththeplumtree]

Beneath the Plum Tree -- 2026 Release Schedule

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Hello everyone!

I wanted to make a quick announcement to tell you about what to expect from Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌 in 2026! The coming year, I'll be working hard to update the demo and, of course, keep you updated on the progress of the story.

Demo Releases

The current demo of Beneath the Plum Tree 李下之歌 contains the first three chapters of the story. It will be updated several times this coming year!

○ APRIL 30th: 2 new chapters added!

○ AUGUST 30th: 2 new chapters added!

By the end of the year, the demo will have 7 full length chapters -- the entirety of the first act of the book.

Regular Content

Besides the updates to the demo, in 2026, you will find regular content here on the Beneath the Plum Tree Tumblr. This content will be posted on Friday, every 2 weeks, and includes:

○ Updates on my writing progress!

○ Historical and cultural context!

○ Teasers of future chapters!

I have set myself the goal of writing about 22 chapters this year... ambitious, but I think it is doable. That would mean that at the end of 2026, the story would be almost halfway.

Let us see what happens!

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