"Withering Flowers" is a short story by Zhang Ailing. It has a simple plot and a single clue; but it has an exquisite structure, delicate and plump character descriptions, cold and interesting, and the writing is ups and downs, like a mountain stream leaping and swaying. The posture is like poetry and painting, like a sword. The author has mastered the art of controlling the ideology of typical environmental characters, and his exploration and reproduction of female consciousness is brilliant.

The novel uses the love experience of the heroine Zheng Chuanchang as a clue to narrate the trivial matters of a Shanghai family with a young child during the Republic of China, focusing on recreating Chuan Chang's living conditions from birth to illness to death. Among them are the lashing of the unfairness of the old family order, the ridicule of the boring and vulgar life, and the deep sorrow for the warmth and coldness of human relationships; there is also the intoxication and desire for the beautiful years, the budding and sincerity of love, and the strength and dignity of life.

The Zheng family maintains an aristocratic appearance on the outside, but is financially strapped on the inside. They have many children but cannot afford to send them to college. Mr. Zheng is a "corpse child soaking in a wine vat", enjoying himself and getting by; Mrs. Zheng is "a long and monotonous tragedy", nagging, boring, empty and vulgar; several beautiful daughters specialize in "The Bride" "school" to learn skills. Chuan Chang has an older sister and a younger brother. She is the least prominent one in the family and is often bullied and wronged. She is tolerant, quiet, strong, and content at all times. Although she follows her sisters, the author gives her a different temperament and charm.