353 Please embark on your journey (Part 3)
Today is a big day in Huangtu County, as the statue at the City God Temple has been rebuilt and replaced.
Yang Dexing, Feng Xingbu, constables, and yamen runners all came to maintain order.
Old Yang, along with his son, grandson Yang Tong, and many other members of the Yang family, were dressed neatly and cleanly, their clothes spotless.
At dawn, after bathing and burning incense, we ate vegetarian food and set off together in a grand procession.
"Today is the day the City God Temple is being renovated, let's go early." "Okay, just a moment, we'll be right there, let's go together." Two women who knew each other called out.
"Old man, you should come too. Let's all go to the City God Temple first today and pray a lot. We can rest in the fields all morning." An old woman with wrinkles on her face changed into a clean, slightly worn set of clothes.
I rarely wear these shoes; I only wear them occasionally for important events or during the Lunar New Year.
The well-maintained animal hide shoes, gray in color, were made of rabbit skin. She cherished them greatly and gently tidied them up again. She asked softly, looking at her old man with a heart full of tenderness and a glimmer of hope.
The old man wore a simple short shirt with a worn hem, his arms were dark, and he held a straw hat in his hand, the color of which had become somewhat dull. His body was slightly hunched.
Looking at his wife's eager eyes, and glancing at his son and daughter-in-law, as well as his grandchildren who seemed to be waiting outside, he sighed inwardly, thinking about this year's harvest.
Nodding slightly in agreement, she said, "Their instructors gave them the day off today, so they're probably going today anyway. Let's all go today."
"Alright!" The old woman got up happily, quickly went into the room, and took out a blue robe that she had prepared. It looked a bit old, but it was well maintained.
He happily shoved the blue robe into the old man's hands, saying, "Hurry inside and change. We'll bring some big steamed buns and water gourds; there will definitely be a lot of people today."
The son and daughter-in-law, waiting outside, were ready, holding their children's hands. Since starting school, their children had clearly changed; their eyes were full of light.
The family went out happily.
Freshly baked steamed buns, and freshly roasted flatbread.
"Rice balls, brown sugar rice balls, everyone come and try them, they're freshly made."
"We have tofu pudding, both sweet and savory. Come and try some!"
In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight fall on the market, early risers have already begun their day.
The City God Temple was lined with all sorts of stalls. Today, all the merchants in the city knew that the City God Temple was always packed with people. Some even arrived as early as four in the morning.
Soon, the air was filled with a fragrant aroma that made one's mouth water. All sorts of goods, large and small, were available, but valuable medicinal herbs were scarce.
In previous years, these medicinal herbs could be kept until the market to sell. This year is different. As long as they are precious and have been around for a while, they can be sold quickly if you want to. The city is buying them all year round, and the prices are even higher than in previous years.
Unfortunately, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find these places now, so you have to go to even more remote mountains. But in those more remote places, opportunities and dangers coexist, so you have to proceed according to your abilities.
As time went by, the number of people in the market gradually increased, coming from all directions, all there to see the City God Temple.
Gui San quietly went out and brought back noodles, fried dumplings, and rice dumplings.
"Thank you, I'll take it." She gently stepped forward and took the breakfast from his hands.
He said in a low voice, "It must be because I prepared the food this morning that you've had to work so hard, brother."
Gently holding hands, looking at the still slightly flushed faces, she said softly, "Did you both sleep well? It's just a small matter, don't worry about it so much."
Let's eat something now, and then we can go to the City God Temple together, okay? I have some things to preside over today.
Her shoulder-length hair was tied up, and she wore a pink dress embroidered with lifelike little golden koi fish.
"Yes, thank you, brother. I hope I'm not bothering you." She said shyly.
Gui San chuckled softly, "No, there are many people here today, and the county magistrate has taken over the sacrificial ceremony. Let's go and participate."
Then he chuckled softly, "I would also like to host, but I've already taken the spotlight, so there's no need to compete for this title."
The county magistrate and several families in the city almost came to blows over this.
Shuangshuang asked curiously, "Oh, I see. No wonder my third aunt was saying the other day that the Yang family and the Feng family were having a falling out."
Gui San affectionately patted Shuangshuang's head, held her little hand, and whispered, "Hurry up and eat, it'll get cold soon. We need to go eat early too."
Huangtu County was bustling with activity today. He Chen arrived quietly, without causing too much disturbance.
In a daze, his body merged with this place, arriving lightly as if he were not in this world, and no one around him noticed.
The first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds and fell upon the City God Temple. A sandalwood plaque hung above the temple gate, bearing the three large characters "City God Temple." The calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, evoking a sense of familiarity.
Mr. Wang, my own teacher—no wonder he seems so familiar. His words carry a confident air, and a subtle charm. It seems he has gained some insight.
I gently shook my head, not wanting to think too much about it. I will always remember the kindness of the teacher's guidance. As long as there is no conflict, none of us are pedantic.
Two large stone lions had appeared on either side of the gate, seemingly as guardian beasts of the temple, but they still lacked any spiritual energy, suggesting that their presence was not long ago.
If the opportunity arises in the future, who knows how many years later, there may still be a glimmer of hope for something extraordinary.
Bringing inanimate objects to life is incredibly difficult, and for some reason, I thought of my gentleman's knife.
Passing through the gate and entering the interior, one finds a spacious courtyard. In the center of the main hall stands a statue of the City God, Huangtu, whose expression is both dignified and serene.
The incense burner was filled with incense sticks, and the smoke swirled around it, creating a mysterious and solemn feeling that came to mind without us even realizing it.
Upon seeing the newcomer, the City God leaped over, his usual composure gone, replaced by an unusual excitement that couldn't be concealed in this former general who had died on the battlefield.
He waved his hand, and behind him were two teams of about ten people each, standing in neat rows, their familiar black and white attire now quite imposing in their armor.
In unison, as if they had practiced many times, they prostrated themselves, respectfully and solemnly, saying, "Greetings, Your Excellency."
The City God Yang was surrounded by the scent of incense, and a hint of dark gold emanated from him.
"Your Majesty's greeting is too much for me to bear. Please rise." He waved his hand gently and looked around.
"Thank you, Your Excellency." Yang Chenghuang stood up and bowed slightly.
On either side of the statue, various offerings had already been placed, such as three apples, three pastries, a plate of chicken, and a pot of wine.
Yang Chenghuang gently stepped aside, "Please come in, Your Excellency. Please have a cup of tea and rest for a moment."
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