AWB Chapter 208 Arrival in Yangzhou
Chapter 208 Arrival in Yangzhou
Xiao Han and Mu Qingling sat in a spacious and comfortable carriage. The interior was simply yet elegantly furnished, with several pots of blooming flowers filling the air with fragrance. Through the carriage window, they watched the scenery change along the way. The wheat seedlings in the fields swayed gently in the breeze, wildflowers bloomed freely by the roadside, and occasionally, they could see a few children laughing and playing in the fields.
"Your Majesty, look at the scenery in the countryside, how vibrant it is!" Mu Qingling pointed out the window, her eyes full of joy.
Xiao Han sighed, "Yes, it is only when you are away from the hustle and bustle of the palace that you can truly appreciate the warmth and life of the human world."
After several days of travel, the convoy finally arrived in Yangzhou. Upon entering the city, one could immediately sense its prosperity and unique charm. Shops lined both sides of the streets, bustling with people. The air was filled with the aroma of various delicacies, and the faint sounds of traditional music could be heard.
"It's so lively!" Mu Qingling couldn't help but exclaim.
They settled into a waterfront inn, and from the window, they could see the beautiful scenery of Slender West Lake. The lake water was clear and sparkling, with weeping willows swaying along the shore, peach blossoms in full bloom, and pavilions and towers in the distance appearing and disappearing, like a stunning painting.
"It's so beautiful, no wonder it's Yangzhou." Xiao Han was also captivated by the beautiful scenery before him.
That evening, they changed into civilian clothes and, under the covert protection of guards, strolled along the banks of the Slender West Lake. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the lake, turning the water a golden hue. The shore was teeming with tourists: literati reciting poems and painting, couples strolling hand in hand, and children laughing and playing.
"Your Majesty, look over there." Mu Qingling pointed to a painted boat not far away, which was brightly lit and filled with melodious music.
Xiao Han smiled slightly: "Would you like to sit down for a while?"
Mu Qingling nodded gently. Then, they boarded the pleasure boat. The boat was luxuriously decorated, with tables laden with exquisite pastries and fine wines. They sat by the window, enjoying the food and the night view of the lake.
"Your Majesty, I truly wish these days could last forever," Mu Qingling said softly, leaning on Xiao Han's shoulder.
Xiao Han held her hand: "Yes, we will. We'll have plenty of time in the future to see more beautiful scenery and experience more of the wonders of the world."
During their time in Yangzhou, they visited many famous historical sites. They went to Ge Garden to admire the wonderful layout of the rockeries that represent the four seasons; and then to He Garden to appreciate its blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. At each place, Mu Qingling was in high spirits, constantly asking Xiao Han about various stories and legends, while Xiao Han patiently explained them to her. Their laughter echoed in every corner.
One day, they arrived at Daming Temple. The ancient temple was filled with the smoke of incense and the melodious sound of bells, instantly bringing peace to their hearts. They prayed devoutly in the temple, wishing for peace and prosperity for the world and for the people to live in tranquility and happiness.
"Your Majesty, do you think Buddha will hear our prayers?" Mu Qingling asked softly.
Xiao Han smiled and said, "Sincerity brings blessings. As long as we care for all living beings, Buddha will surely protect us."
After leaving Daming Temple, they strolled through the ancient streets and alleys of Yangzhou. The buildings here were simple and elegant, preserving many traditional handicraft shops. Mu Qingling was attracted by a shop selling Yangzhou paper-cuttings. The paper-cutting works in the shop were exquisite and lifelike. She picked out a few pieces, intending to take them back as souvenirs.
Time flew by in Yangzhou, and in the blink of an eye, they had spent a wonderful time there. However, all good things must come to an end, and they eventually had to embark on their journey home.
"Your Majesty, it's really hard to leave here." Mu Qingling looked at the scenery outside the window, her eyes filled with reluctance.
Xiao Han gently stroked her hair: "Don't be sad, we'll come back again. The beauty of this place is deeply imprinted in our hearts."
The convoy slowly drove out of Yangzhou. Xiao Han and Mu Qingling looked out the car window at the receding city skyline, their hearts filled with longing. But they also knew that life is like a journey, and there are always new landscapes waiting for them to discover. This trip to Yangzhou would become one of the most precious memories of their lives, forever treasured in their hearts.
As the convoy drove further and further away, the outline of Yangzhou gradually blurred in the morning mist. Mu Qingling leaned against the carriage wall, her eyes still filled with lingering longing, and murmured softly, "I really hope that next time I come, Yangzhou will still look the same."
Xiao Han held her hand and comforted her, "The charm of Yangzhou is already etched in our hearts. No matter when we return, we can always find that familiar warmth."
As the wheels rolled on, they embarked on their journey back to the capital. Passing through a small town, they witnessed a lively temple fair. The streets and alleys were adorned with lanterns and colorful flags, and the air was filled with the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts and candied hawthorns.
"Your Majesty, let's get out of the carriage and take a look." Mu Qingling's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Xiao Han smiled and nodded, and the two blended into the crowd under the protection of the guards. Street performers were putting on a show, their thrilling stunts eliciting gasps from the onlookers; there were also stalls selling sugar figurines, each one crystal clear and lifelike. Mu Qingling was drawn to a sugar figurine shaped like a rabbit, holding it in her hand and examining it closely, her face beaming with a childlike smile.
"I never expected to encounter such a vivid and interesting scene after leaving the palace," Mu Qingling exclaimed.
Xiao Han looked at her with eyes full of affection: "There are many more surprises like this to come."
Continuing their journey, one day they passed by a village surrounded by green hills and clear waters. In the distance, mountains rose one after another, shrouded in mist; nearby, streams babbled, and villagers worked in the fields—a tranquil and peaceful pastoral scene slowly unfolded before their eyes.
"Your Majesty, this place is like a paradise on earth." Mu Qingling was deeply attracted by the scenery before her.
So they decided to stay there for a while. The villagers warmly welcomed the strangers. An old man invited them to his home and served them homemade rice wine and fresh fruits and vegetables.
"Grandpa, what's the name of your village?" Mu Qingling asked.
The old man smiled and replied, "To answer your question, young lady, this village is called Peach Blossom Village. Generations of people have lived here, leading simple and peaceful lives."
During their time in Taoyuan Village, Xiao Han and Mu Qingling experienced farm work alongside the villagers. They planted rice seedlings together, feeling the warmth of the soil; they also participated in harvesting fruit, tasting the sweetness of labor. At night, they lay on bamboo chairs in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky, listening to the chirping of insects and the croaking of frogs, feeling a long-lost tranquility.
"Your Majesty, I really wish I could stay here forever," Mu Qingling said softly.
Xiao Han put his arm around her shoulder: "If you like, we can find a house nearby sometime in the future and come to stay often."