While reading "The Tale of Genji" and "Song of Lasting Pain", one may note the distinct similarities in the plots.  Both are of tales describing the affairs of a couple and various situations that they find themselves in.  "The Tale of Genji" was written after "Song of Lasting Pain" and contains several references to its predecessor.  One might also want to note that Murasaki modified the plot of "Song of Lasting Sorrow" with a little twist in "The Tale of Genji".  

Both tales begin with a beautiful woman catching the eye of a very important man.  In "The Tale of Genji", the Emperor treated Kiritsubo in a manner to command the jealousy of all of the other concubines.  The Emperor went out of his way to show the favor of this lady over all others.  The people who witnessed the manner...