The City of Huaizhou, Eastern Promenade
21st, Month of the Tiger, Xia Calendar 2577
I had finally fulfilled my dream of travelling to Huaizhou. So why am I not happy? Not only am I here with my brother, but my father, my uncle and my Grandfather. It seems like there's nothing to complain about. I'm currently relieved of my duty to tend the fields at home every day, the group I'm travelling with provides free water and food rations daily. Though it may not be comparable to what we had back home, I'm just happy to have consistent meals again. I do miss my mother. My sister too. But I know that they would rather me be happy than sulk. After all, I've arrived at the beautiful city of Huaizhou. Finally, I can appreciate the beauty of the most illustrious city in Shenzhou!
At least I can see what is left of it.
The famous promenade of the city still rests along the shore. Across the lake, one can still see the remnants of the Eastern City. Although much of it is reduced to rubble now, from the blur of gray and sult, one can still make faint vibrancy of colors. Leftovers of the colorful terracotta roofs that had once dotted the city. Still much more interesting to look at than the mud and straw huts we had back at the village.
The fumes rising from the rubble even adds a certain charm to the whole picture. Much of the fires have settled down. I wonder what it is that's still smoldering. Can't be a body. Father told me it only takes three to four hours for a body to cremate. Either way, it's still a very quaint image. Needless to say, I was not disappointed with the grandeur and majesty of our nation's most prized city.
It just manages to exude a certain beauty. Truly breathtaking. I can see that everyone else is just as impressed. Maybe even more than me. The lady beside me seems to be so awed that she's crying. Most people have their hands clasped over their mouths. I'm glad everyone is just as appreciative as I am.
But there's not much time to appreciate it. There are many stops that we have to go to around the city. It is the biggest city in Shenzhou, so it makes sense that we have much to see. What I think I'm most excited for is to see the Kaifeng Cathedral. I heard that it is one of the grandest architectural projects ever built. Incorporating our traditional characteristics of arched roofs and wooden columns along with Occidental styles. Apparently the spire in the middle of the building is close to scraping the heavens. How high is that? Can you imagine climbing up that spire. It would be a whole new perspective, unseen by any in past generations.
Apparently we are not far from it too. The promenade is only meant to be a short while away from the Cathedral. They say that the building can hold upwards of sixty thousand people! My group is only around twenty or so people, so there shouldn't be any issue with us having a comfortable time there.
I'm questioning my father about the Cathedral. He says that during his youth, he had been to Huaizhou, although only as a laborer. Sadly he wasn't building the Cathedral, instead he was constructing the residential areas at the outskirts of the city. Still that's quite fortunate of him, to be graced with the chance of being in this glorious city. If I was given the same opportunity as him, I would take it as well.
"Zhengyi..."
Oh, my father responded to me with my name. That means he's displeased. Have I done something to wrong him again? Maybe it's my constant questioning. He always seems so angry these days.
No it's not anger.
I think he's just sad.
I don't understand why he would be sad though. A complete contrast to me! I can quite confidently say I'm the most jubilant boy in the world right now.
Huh. Is my father going to say anything else? It seemed like there was something he wanted to say just now. His mouth is just hanging open, I can't quite make out what it is on his face right now. The sun set a while ago, and the only source of light between us is a small lighter. Though the occasional flare of fire illuminates just enough of his eyes. They seem so droopy. A bit sunken in as well. Has his face gotten skinnier recently? The creases around his eyes seem more pronounced as well.
My father looks malnourished.
Here comes that forced smile again.
I don't understand why he has to do that. Not many people get to come to Huaijiang! Even more so a second time, especially as poor farmers like us. No, it's probably just the poor lighting playing tricks on my mind. Could my father be overwhelmed with happiness that he has trouble expressing it? Worry not father, I'm here to feel it all with you! Your pious son will accompany you.
His eyes softened a little. The eyelids fell a little and a few creases from his frown lifted.
"The spire was built by carving it out on the ground horizontally, and then afterwards hundreds of men had to tie ropes around it to pull it up."
Oh, so that's how they did it. That's really amazing.
"The rest of the world should marvel at the might of Shenzhou's people! To have been able to construct such an architectural feat." I marvelled.
"Maybe so, my son."
"If there's even anyone else left in the world." lamented my brother.
I don't understand. Of course there are people elsewhere. Shenzhou may be the most populous nation of the world, but there are many other countries as well. My brother can be an idiot sometimes, even if he is many years older than me. I feel like I'm far better informed than him. I think he's one of those people which we call "a frog in a well". Always just remaining at the bottom of their well, never questioning their world or striving for something more. Just stuck in their own image of the world. Basically he's Ignorant.
"Yuanfei, you know that there are other countries in this world, right? In fact, many of them are our great nation's tributaries." I smugly told my brother.
"Zhengyi.. You-"
"That's enough, first brother. Zhengyi is just a child. Let him be." interjected father.
"No father. I want to hear Yuanfei's rabble. Him stumbling while trying to explain himself will be entertaining."
"Don't be like this. You should be more respectful to your brother. He is your elder after all." then to my brother, "Yuanfei please understand. Your brother is still young. Please don't expose him to anything more than he can handle."
"I've had enough of you protecting him from reality, father. He needs to wake up from whatever stupor his mind is in. The way he is now, it's… it's not right. And I've put up with his bullshit for long enough. No. I've put up with your bullshit for long enough. Your selfish charade is only going to make it worse for Zhengyi. I cannot stand by and watch any-"
Grandfather covered my eyes. I'm not sure why. Is there something I shouldn't see?
"How come you're covering my eyes, Grandfather?"
"Oh nothing… I'm just playing games with you."
Oh, games! Grandpa always loves playing around with me, how did I not realize.
"What game is this?"
"It's… it's the Blind Man game. I cover your eyes, so you can't see where you're walking, so you just have to trust me to lead you to the right place."
Oh! This sounds like fun.