"
Yusu stayed in Daocun for two hours, discussing the trade between Yucun and villages on the plains. Before leaving, he invited Daocun and the village chiefs present to visit Yucun.
Yucun's salt and grain sparked great interest in the surrounding villages, especially with the newly opened mountain road connecting both sides of the mountains. Villages curious about this sentries to accompany them through the mountain pass, accepting Yusu's invitation to visit Yucun three days later.
In the following days, tribes from the forest and villages from the northern plains, learning about Yucun's mountain road, joined in the excitement, even the tribal chief couldn't resist tagging along.
The trading market became crowded, offering a variety of goods, including advanced tools, unique instruments, exquisite fine salt, colorful linen, full grains, and livestock.
The visitors were amazed by the diverse offerings. The village people proudly introduced their specialties, showcasing their worldly experience.
"This is our village's specialty..."
"This is a plow, used for turning the soil..."
After entering the trading market, Daocun's village chiefs spent a day exploring the market, marveling at each unfamiliar item and learning about its purpose.
When they emerged from the trading market, they realized that the sky had already turned pitch black.
The market was brightly lit with torches and oil lamps, momentarily obscuring the change in daylight. Unconcerned about the dangers of the night, the village chiefs noticed a spacious square on one side of the market, paved with stones.
Each corner of the square was adorned with illuminated braziers. Grass sheds were scattered across the square, providing shelter for overnight rest. The village chiefs, comprising over a hundred people, were astonished by this sight.
The specially waiting envoy from Yucun smiled, addressing the village chiefs and the venerable shaman, "Gentlemen, it's late. Lord Yusuo and leaders from various villages are waiting in our village. Please follow us."
The village chiefs, now realizing they had come to visit Yucun but got distracted by the market, felt embarrassed. The Yucun envoy reassured them, explaining that Lord Yusuo anticipated their interest in the market.
"Esteemed guests, please board the horse carriages. We will escort you to the village," the Yucun envoy continued.
Curiously eyeing the peculiar horse carriages parked at the market entrance, the village chiefs couldn't resist exploring and touching them. As they boarded, the Yucun villager driving the carriage explained that once the horses started running, the carriage would move much faster than walking.
Amazed by the magical experiences throughout the day, the village chief couldn't believe the richness of Yucun. Comparing it to their expectation of the prosperous Daji Village, they were surprised to find Yucun even more affluent.
Observing the well-lit village from afar, the Yucun villager proudly confirmed, "Yes, that's our village. Those bright houses halfway up the hill? That's Lord Yusuo's residence."
The village chiefs and the shaman, astonished, followed the Yucun villagers across sturdy bridges, arriving at the village entrance. Standing at the gateway, they marveled at the stone-built gate, the tall watchtower, and sensed the prosperity and dominance of Yucun.
Yusuo and other village leaders, including a notable shaman from the tribe, greeted them. Introductions were made, and everyone was invited to the village square for a welcome feast.
As they walked towards Yucun's square, the village chiefs admired the impressive architecture, the neat pathways, and the finely dressed villagers. They were profoundly moved by the unexpected beauty of Yucun.
Expressing their amazement, the village chief said, "Yusuo, Yucun is truly beautiful."
"Yes, we haven't seen many of these things before. It's fascinating," added others.
Yusuo graciously thanked them and invited everyone to sit. "Tonight, we've prepared a welcome feast. Please enjoy the food and drinks, rest well, and we'll discuss trade tomorrow."