Golden Autumn Sichuan Trip Part 11: The Return Journey

In the afternoon, we left Guangwu Mountain and continued our return trip. We got on the expressway at Xishenba, took the Xi-Han Expressway then transferred to the Lianhuo Expressway. At 8:30 p.m., we arrived in Tongguan and chose to stay at Jiali Hotel in Ruicheng County, where Fenglingdu is located, near the expressway exit. This small county in Shanxi has relatively low prices; accommodation and dining are quite affordable.

‘At Fenglingdu ferry we first met; one glance at Yang Guo and I wasted my life away. I regret only that I was born after you grew old; before Duanchang Cliff, I remember the old friend.’ This is the place in the novel where Yang Guo met Guo Xiang, steeped in history. Unfortunately, we arrived in the dark and left before dawn, so we didn't get a chance to explore this small town by the Yellow River. Despite that, the affordable prices left a good impression. A breakfast of vegetable rolls + millet porridge + egg + side dish = 6 yuan; a two-person breakfast for 6 yuan. It was the cheapest breakfast I’ve ever had, and it was hot and reviving, fully recharging me.

We arrived home safely in the evening. During this visit, my husband shopped, cooked, did laundry, and looked after the elderly, fully embodying the ideal Chinese son-in-law. He is not only good to me, but also to my family.

A woman doesn’t need to be devastatingly beautiful; she just needs a man who will devote his whole life to her. I don’t seek a lifetime of wealth and glory, only peace and health for my family.

I’m grateful to have you by my side throughout my life. As long as there is scenery in your heart, wherever you go, the path is filled with the fragrance of flowers. We keep each other company as the days slowly pass. Unknowingly, how many springs, autumns, winters, and summers have slipped away? I can’t grasp the footsteps of time, so I can only savor this moment’s happiness, fearing I might miss the beautiful scenery or waste precious time. I want to keep walking this road with you, until the earth grows old and the sky turns barren, until we last forever. Even when our hair is white, I’ll still smile and watch the water flowing gently by your side...