Chapter 112 China is stealing our writings again...
The foreigner laughed loudly: "Dude, don't worry, even small cities in China are different. Look at those girls."
Benjamin saw young women dressed provocatively dancing in the bar.
"Tell me, in New York, in LA, would they dare walk home after clubbing late at night?"
Benjamin and Justin exchanged a smile.
Justin raised his eyebrows: "Don't even mention them, we wouldn't dare."
The foreigner shrugged: "So that's how it is. But here, they dare to. I've been to many small cities in China, and to be honest, they're safer than big cities. There are a lot of security cameras, but they're very effective."
“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” Another person joined the chat: “I haven’t been to Qinghe Ancient Town yet, but I’ve seen videos online, and it looks like a really beautiful place. I’m planning to go during my vacation. Maybe we can exchange contact information. If you think it’s good or bad, you can let me know.”
"Of course, no problem."
......
When Benjamin and Justin arrived in Qinghe City, Lu Xiaoqi was engrossed in watching the latter half of a video—
After several attempts, Su Jun finally found his inspiration from a pile of drawings.
The director, seeing the blueprint, asked curiously, "This doesn't look like the blueprint for the Sun God chariot?"
Su Jun smiled and said, "Indeed, no, these are the blueprints for the Water-Powered Astronomical Clock Tower."
Fearing he might forget, he had already recorded many things, with the Water-Powered Astronomical Clock Tower being the most important.
The director was somewhat surprised: "Is it the water-powered astronomical clock tower from the Northern Song Dynasty?"
Su Jun nodded, then mumbled, "Yes, I've researched a lot and done some restoration work. Now..." He squinted, staring intently at a section of the drawing, and whispered, "I think I might have found where the problem lies..."
The director probably wanted to ask something more, but seeing that he was completely absorbed in the story, he stopped talking.
Comments floated by:
[The Water-Powered Astronomical Clock Tower? Sounds impressive, what exactly is it?]
[It's really impressive. You can look it up. It was built under the supervision of a scientist from the Northern Song Dynasty. What a coincidence, he was also surnamed Su.]
He actually restored the Water-Powered Astronomical Clock Tower? It took museums a long time to restore it before!
When you're traveling abroad, you give yourself an identity; just because someone says it's theirs doesn't mean it is.
But Su Jun clearly did get inspiration from this drawing.
He stayed up all night, and when everyone arrived the next day, he rushed to them with excitement: "The Water-Powered Armillary Sphere! With a precise control, the sphere rotates at a constant speed, demonstrating that the celestial bodies are ever-changing yet remain orderly..."
Apart from craftsman He, who also came from the Song Dynasty, everyone else was confused.
The young engineer shrank back.
The live chat erupted in laughter: [Holy crap, does he think Su Zirong has gone mad?!]
Su Jun suddenly turned around, strode to the whiteboard, and almost hastily erased the large, dizzying array of gear transmission diagrams. The marker seemed to come alive at his fingertips, dancing rapidly.
"We've fallen into a rut!" His voice carried a sudden burst of excitement as his pen swiftly sketched a completely new structural outline on the whiteboard. "In the past, our ancestor... Su Song of the Northern Song Dynasty oversaw the construction of the Water-Powered Astronomical Clock Tower, believing that its core lay not in the complex gears, but in the concept of 'controlling' and 'releasing'! The immense power of water was transformed into a balanced, undulating force, and its speed was regulated by locks and balances, ensuring the giant's smooth operation and accurately displaying the celestial constellations!"①
Lu Xiaoqi, who was watching, smiled and knew that he was caught up in his own emotions, and when he was anxious, he would bring out some of his old-fashioned charm.
His writing flows smoothly, no longer a simple nested gear, but a completely new system.
“Master He, everyone, please look!” Su Jun pointed his pen at the core of the model. “The main drive shaft is still powerful, but we don’t need to let all the forces collide head-on! Imitating the balance and locking system of the Water-powered Astronomical Clock Tower, we will set up a buffer clutch mechanism here,” he pointed heavily to the node that had always been stuck before, “instead of relying entirely on gear meshing.”
He quickly drew several levers and swing arms, his face beaming with pride:
"...This mechanism can store energy, buffer impacts, and tolerate greater errors! The 'sun wheel rotation,' which requires even higher precision, is still handled by the core precision gear set."
One is firm, the other gentle; one is swift, the other slow; each performs its own function without interfering with the other.
He was stunned at first. He couldn't understand the data and modern machinery that the young engineer was fiddling with, but he could understand the sketches that incorporated ancient wisdom.
His eyes widened, and then he slapped his thigh: "That's right! How come I didn't think of that! That's exactly the point! Since a head-on confrontation won't work, let's try a combination of capture and release!"
This method is like putting a plow on a bull and giving it a whip, using its strength and making it obey their commands.
The young engineer stared at the new design drawing on the whiteboard, which cleverly borrowed the ancient hydraulic escapement speed regulation principle, for a long time. He then started to work out the design on his computer. After a while, he excitedly looked up and said, "It seems to really work! Look, the impact load is absorbed by this buffer mechanism!"
It's like adding a shock absorber and speed regulator to the transmission system; it's a very clever design.
The dull atmosphere in the studio was swept away, replaced by the exhilaration of overcoming difficulties and the passion to try new things.
Su Jun led them to try a few more times, and finally solved the problem completely.
At the end of the final video, the Sun Chariot arrives against the backdrop of the twilight and the twinkling lights of Qinghe Ancient Town. The sun wheel slowly rotates, radiating a warm and sacred glow.
The phoenixes and luan birds guarding the divine chariot spread their enormous wings, adorned with iridescent feathers.
Next, a meticulously designed close-up shot focuses on the new, both rigid and flexible, transmission system at the bottom of the vehicle. Through a specially designed, openwork, carved panel, viewers can catch a glimpse of its internal secrets—the robust main drive gear set meshes and operates stably, while beside it, a buffer speed regulation mechanism, inspired by the "escapement" concept of the Water-Powered Astronomical Clock Tower, is working ingeniously.
The entire system runs smoothly and without any stuttering or harsh friction sounds. There is only a deep and rhythmic hum, like the steady breathing of a deity.
As the Sun God chariot passed through the crowd, fireworks began to burst forth on its wheels and body, the dazzling displays even illuminating the astonished faces and upturned pupils of the tourists.
Golden light shone in the sky, like shooting stars and flowing fire.
It truly embodies the meaning of "the divine chariot soaring through the sky, shining brightly in all directions"!
The director gave the final shot to Su Jun, who was watching the monitor in the waiting area. Fireworks exploded one after another, blooming brilliantly in the night sky behind him, illuminating his serene face. Finally, a faint but incredibly gratified smile slowly appeared on his lips.
A smile.
Then the comments section went wild, almost completely covering the screen:
[Holy crap! It worked! It really worked!]
[Damn, they're handsome from every angle. Have you guys noticed how many handsome men and beautiful women there are in Qinghe Ancient Town? They seem to be top-tier. Where did they find them?]
He smiled! Ahhh, he smiled! I, a devout woman, would gladly lose a pound tomorrow in exchange for him smiling like that forever.
[It gave me goosebumps! It was so shocking!]
[Did anyone see that fleeting shot of the internal structure? I'm bowing down in awe!]
[The fireworks effects are divine! This is true craftsmanship!]
From blueprints to reality, from challenges to perfection—that's the magic of engineering!
[So this isn't just about modern mechanical technology; it also incorporates traditional Chinese techniques! How exciting! Who says ancient China didn't have technology? Isn't this a perfect example?]
Lu Xiaoqi stopped watching the comments and turned off her phone, only to find that the food her colleague had brought her was already cold.
As she opened her lunchbox, she sent Su Jun a message: "If I become rich and powerful, don't forget me, Mr. Su!"
After finishing dinner, I received a reply from Su Jun: 【？？？？】
She smiled, didn't reply, and happily began to eat her meal.
......
"Are you sure we'll be able to see this parade?" Benjamin asked Justin.
Justin nodded: "Don't worry, I've done my research. Their official website has the performance schedule, and it's confirmed. There will be a big parade whenever there are holidays."
Benjamin excitedly pumped his fist: "Great!"
He and Justin initially became interested in Qinghe Ancient Town because of a live-streamed video of a mortise and tenon joint competition. Benjamin, a woodworking enthusiast, was captivated by the experience and longed to visit Qinghe Ancient Town. Later, when the artisans of Qinghe Ancient Town opened accounts on external websites, he immediately discovered and followed them.
After watching many videos, he had practically become a fan of Qinghe Ancient Town, especially enjoying the "Unveiling the Secrets" series, which he watched countless times. This time, when Justin took a vacation to Asia, Benjamin accompanied him. They first visited Southeast Asia and Japan, popular destinations for Europeans and Americans, and then spent the remaining five days in China, taking advantage of visa-free entry.
One of the most important stops is Qinghe Ancient Town.
Benjamin asked, "What holiday is tomorrow?"
Justin raised an eyebrow: "The Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional Chinese festival, and also International Children's Day on June 1st."
Benjamin: "...So we're going to be surrounded by a bunch of noisy kids tomorrow?"
"Maybe?" Justin shrugged, then couldn't help but laugh at his companion's horrified expression. "Don't worry, this is a tourist attraction, not a children's playground. Besides, there will be many Dragon Boat Festival activities tomorrow, such as dragon boat racing and making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)."
Justin had been learning Chinese for over a year, and he spoke about dragon boat racing and wrapping zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) in Chinese, leaving Benjamin completely bewildered.
However, since he was already there, Benjamin, like many foreigners, was quite relaxed about it.
They stayed in Qinghe City, with the city's largest park right downstairs from their hotel. The two were initially a little apprehensive about this obscure little city, since the news they had read since childhood had never portrayed China as a positive force.
However, when they looked out the window at night and saw many citizens walking their children, jogging, and dancing in the park, they suddenly felt a little tempted.
"Let's go take a look!"
Justin and Benjamin didn't return from the park until after 10 p.m. They could see the modern city skyline from the park, and that's when they understood why their friend in the bar said that small cities in China were completely different from the small cities they had imagined.
They are indeed completely different.
Justin: "To be honest, I prefer China to Japan. People here are more relaxed, and the atmosphere is more friendly."
Benjamin shrugged: "Everything's fine...better than LA."
They both burst into laughter.
The next morning, following the travel guide they found online, they took a tour bus from the city center and arrived at the entrance of Qinghe Ancient Town after a forty-minute journey. Upon disembarking, they were somewhat stunned:
"So many people!"
A long queue had already formed at the entrance of Qinghe Ancient Town. The two quickly moved to the back of the queue.
Justin turned on his phone and connected to the live stream: "I'm planning to go live, you don't mind, do you?"
His main job is as a YouTuber, primarily creating travel videos and live streams exploring traditional cultures around the world. For example, he livestreamed his journey to the pyramids in Egypt, his search for the lost Inca civilization at Machu Picchu, and his exploration of the Mughal dynasty ruins in India. This niche area is relatively small, so although Justin doesn't update very frequently, he's still quite well-known.
Benjamin: "Of course I don't mind. But..." He paused, a half-smile playing on his lips, "I think they might ask you how much money you received from the Chinese government?"
Justin rolled his eyes: "I can't even be bothered with those idiots trapped in their own cocoons!"
When he started his live stream, thanks to his fans and YouTube's massive traffic, many netizens quickly joined. Justin explained that he and his friends were in Qinghe Ancient Town in China.
Soon, netizens from various countries began commenting in the comment section:
Wait, you're in China? And not in their capital or Shanghai? Brave soul! Hopefully, the government isn't paying you to say nice things.
This building looks a bit like a traditional Korean house village. I wonder if there's any historical connection? The roof lines are very similar!
There are so many people. We in India have much older, more spiritual temples and festivals. The scale of our Kumbh Mela is unimaginable.
[Oh! This place is really popular on video websites! The night view with all sorts of fairies and fireworks is amazing! But I've heard some people say it was copied from somewhere else?]
The craftsmanship of the wooden structure looks exquisite. The details of the eaves are delicate. Crowd management seems...quite challenging. Please be careful.
[It looks beautiful! Hope you have fun! Ignore the haters.]
Welcome to Asia! Night market food might be the best part, try everything!
[Oh my god, I've seen that video of the mechanical bird! Is it real? If you've seen it, please show it to us!]
Justin looked at the rapidly scrolling comments section and couldn't help but laugh. He said to the camera, "See that, friends? That's the diversity of the world, all sorts of voices."
He chose the first comment to reply to; the IP address indicated it was likely from one of their compatriots, a beautiful Chinese man: "Dude, let me repeat myself, every video I make, except for those with pre-announced collaborations, is self-funded. Furthermore, we've been misled by our media for far too long. Outside of the capital and Shanghai, China remains very modern and safe."
"If you have the opportunity, come and see for yourself. I now feel that compared to them, we are more like living in a third-world country."
"In any case, Benjamin and I are here now. We'll see for ourselves, and you can see through my lens too. Let's put aside our prejudices for now. Now, let's go inside and see what this ancient town that Benjamin and I have been longing to see is really like!"
......
To celebrate both the Dragon Boat Festival and Children's Day, the No. 1 square in Qinghe Ancient Town has been newly decorated today – a grand folk market will be held here.
On the vast square, dozens of tents of varying sizes and bright colors were set up in a well-organized manner, replacing the usual emptiness and creating a simple yet lively festive atmosphere.
These tents are not the simple tents commonly seen today, but rather refer to the styles used in ancient markets and military camps. With a sturdy bamboo and wood frame, they support a thick indigo-dyed cotton tent body. The tent tops are mostly pyramidal, with delicate tassels or embroidered curtains hanging from the edges, swaying gently in the early summer breeze.
It has a strong Jiangnan (southern China) flavor.
Just having crossed the Changhong Bridge and the main street, Justin and Benjamin, captivated by the beauty of the ancient water town in Jiangnan, have arrived here.
“Woo~~” Justin exclaimed. “It looks like there’s some kind of festival going on here. Let me see,” he spread out the program in his hand, “Ah! Today is the Dragon Boat Festival in China, and they have a folk market and a rice dumpling making activity here. We’re so lucky.”
"These stalls are all decorated very nicely."
The tents on both sides of the main passageway are the tallest and most spacious, effectively serving as temporary shop fronts.
Various signs were hung under the eaves—some with cloth curtains bearing the words "wine," "tea," and "zongzi" written on them, the ink flowing freely; others displayed actual items, such as bunches of fragrant mugwort and calamus, strings of adorable cloth sachets, and even miniature dragon boat models, attracting tourists to stop and look.
Justin stopped in front of a shop displaying a tall tower of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and explained to the viewers in the live stream that this was a special food for the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, made from glutinous rice.
"Whether to eat zongzi sweet or savory has become a major debate on the Chinese internet in recent years."
While they were livestreaming, Xiaozhuang, a local wealthy and beautiful woman working at the ancient town's stall, was busy. A festival requires a lot of frontline staff, and even those who work in offices need to come and help. Xiaozhuang was seconded to help at the zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) stall in Plaza No. 1, and also to guide tourists.
She couldn't help but jokingly say in English, "Of course, zongzi should be sweet; savory zongzi are heretical!"
Justin and Benjamin were both pleasantly surprised: "You can speak English?"
They had to admit that the proportion of English speakers in Qinghe City had dropped significantly since they came from Shanghai, and most of the time they used mobile phone translators.
Xiao Zhuang said generously, "Of course, many of our staff members in the ancient town speak English, so you are welcome to visit our town."
She herself graduated with a degree in English. In fact, because the salary and benefits are very good, a large portion of the staff in the ancient town are well-educated, including frontline workers. Even those who are slightly older or have slightly lower educational backgrounds are learning some basic English conversation. If they improve, they can get extra bonuses, so everyone is very motivated.
She felt that her boss might want to go international.
Justin naturally wanted to chat more with people who spoke English, and also asked them to introduce the day's festivals and activities.
"The most symbolic things about the Dragon Boat Festival are eating zongzi and dragon boat racing," Xiao Zhuang said with a smile. "I was just joking when I said that zongzi should be sweet and savory zongzi is heresy, and that's a joke that young people like to make. China is a vast country with diverse resources, and some foods often have different flavors. Generally speaking, people in the south eat savory zongzi, people in the north eat sweet zongzi, and people living by the sea even eat seafood zongzi. But now that logistics are so developed, you can eat whatever flavor you want."
"Our activity today is making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)."
She pointed to the smaller tents around the square, which, like scattered pearls, formed relatively private experience areas.
Some tents are enclosed on three sides and open on one side, with tables, chairs and benches inside for tourists to rest and enjoy freshly made food; others are used as workshops for handicrafts, with glutinous rice, bamboo leaves, colorful silk threads and other materials already laid out on the tables inside the tents.
Justin suddenly realized and walked over there: "So, we can try making zongzi ourselves?"
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the tent roof, casting dappled shadows on the flagstone floor. The tent fabric insulated against some of the summer heat, creating a cool and comfortable space.
"Yes, all you need to do is register. We have instructors to guide you. You can choose to cook and eat the rice dumplings you make on the spot, or you can take them home." The staff member nodded: "It's not just about making rice dumplings; you can also learn to braid longevity threads, which are also auspicious decorations for the Dragon Boat Festival."
She showed it to the two of them.
"It's beautiful," both of them said.
Justin: "Traditional Chinese festival customs seem to be well preserved."
The comments section of the live stream also thought it was very interesting.
Her English is amazing! That bracelet is so pretty! I want one!
The colors are so vibrant! It really creates a festive atmosphere! This market is beautifully decorated!
I want to eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and I like them sweet.
I've had savory zongzi in Chinatown, and they're actually quite delicious!
The Chinese seem to have preserved and inherited their culture very well, which is true. Unlike us, our traditional culture is gradually disappearing, which is very sad.
Xiao Zhuang introduced them to other activities: "In addition to making zongzi and experiencing longevity threads, we also have a parent-child treasure hunt activity. As long as you find shops or workshops in the scenic area with relevant Dragon Boat Festival symbols and complete the corresponding small tasks, you can get stamps and special prizes."
Today is not only the Dragon Boat Festival but also Children's Day, so we came up with this parent-child activity, since children love collecting stamps.
Justin and Benjamin exchanged a glance, eager to try.
Benjamin smiled and said, "It's okay, I can pretend to be your dad."
Justin: "Get out!"
Xiao Zhuang chuckled. It seems this kind of quirky sense of humor is common all over the world.
"Actually, it doesn't have to be a parent-child activity. It's just that some small tasks require two people to complete together, so you can definitely sign up."
Justin immediately said, "I want to go!"
He found the activity and making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) very interesting, fitting his theme perfectly, and suitable for live streaming.
Benjamin shrugged. "I can keep you company all morning."
In the afternoon, he wanted to see the ancient buildings in Qinghe Ancient Town, especially since he had heard there was a woodworking workshop there, which Benjamin, who loved woodworking, was very interested in. This was one of the reasons he came to Qinghe Ancient Town.
Justin gave him a high five: "No problem!"
At that moment, he suddenly noticed that there seemed to be a small disturbance in the comment section of the live stream.
Justin took a closer look and discovered that the source of the disturbance was several South Korean users:
Wait a minute, this festival and these five-colored ropes... they look very similar to our Dragon Boat Festival and five-colored ribbons ( ). Is China stealing our culture again?
[This is Korean culture! The Dano Festival and the five-colored rope! Why does China always steal from others?]
[The shopkeeper is truly despicable!]
Xiao Zhuang was standing in front of her phone during the live stream and had obviously seen the comments. Her lips twitched, and she managed to hold back from rolling her eyes for a long time.
? ? ?
What serious illness do these people have?
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