vstars Chapter 138 The Legend of Princess Wencheng
Chapter 138 The Legend of Princess Wencheng
Qinghai Lake Tour: From Erlang Sword to Sun and Moon Mountain
At the Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake, sunlight shimmered across the shimmering surface. Zhang Bei, accompanied by Xiao Xing and their adorable panda dog, A Bao, set off in his pickup truck. The engine roared across the empty road, and outside the car window was a breathtaking view of endless grasslands merging with the azure sky. Xiao Xing gazed out the window excitedly, occasionally teasing A Bao, who, in turn, lay obediently on the seat, his eyes curiously scanning the surroundings.
Afterward, the RV carrying Li Fugui, Xiao Taojie, and Zhang Tingjian, the "Little God of Wealth," and Zhang Nan slowly pulled up behind the pickup truck. The RV, fully equipped with comfortable seats and warm decor, felt like a home on the move. Zhang Tingjian and Zhang Nan played simple games, laughing and chatting. Xiao Taojie watched them with a smile, while Li Fugui drove intently, his eyes revealing anticipation for the journey.
As we drove toward Daotang River, the grasslands on either side of the road stretched like a green carpet to the horizon. Herds of cattle and sheep grazed and strolled leisurely across the grass, creating a natural pastoral scene. In the distance, the rolling mountain ranges, illuminated by the sunlight, created a striking contrast against the blue sky and white clouds. Zhang Bei's pickup truck was moving at a fast pace, and he would occasionally slow down to wait for the RV behind him. Inside the RV, everyone enjoyed the scenery outside the window and shared interesting stories from their journey, a joyful occasion.
Finally, the Daotang River came into view. Its clear, gently flowing water formed a unique scene against the surrounding grasslands and mountains. Legend has it that the Daotang River was formed by the tears of Princess Wencheng, yearning for her homeland, lending it a touch of mystery and romance. Zhang Bei and his companions parked the car, and Xiao Xing eagerly jumped out and ran to the river's edge, gently touching the water and feeling its coolness and gentleness. Po also ran around, barking at the water, as if engaging in a dialogue.
Li Fugui and his group also got out of the car and walked to the river. Zhang Tingjian curiously asked about the legend of the backward-flowing river, and Sister Tao patiently explained it. Everyone strolled along the river, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature. Zhang Nan picked up a small stone from the riverbank and tried to skip it on the water, creating a series of small splashes.
After a brief pause at Daotang River, they continued their journey towards Sun Moon Mountain. As the altitude rose, the scenery gradually changed. The grasslands became more vast and boundless, and the sky seemed within reach. The vegetation on the mountain was slightly sparser than that below, yet it possessed a tenacious presence. Zhang Bei gazed at the road ahead, filled with longing for Sun Moon Mountain. He recalled the stories he had heard about Sun Moon Mountain: it marked the boundary between the Central Plains and the Western Regions, steeped in rich historical and cultural heritage.
Sun and Moon Mountain has an extremely important position and far-reaching significance in history.
As early as the Han and Wei dynasties, Sun and Moon Mountain marked the boundary between the Central Plains and the western minority regions, marking the intersection of agricultural and nomadic civilizations. It witnessed political, economic, and cultural exchanges between the two sides, with numerous trade exchanges and diplomatic activities taking place near this location.
During the Tang Dynasty, Sun Moon Mountain became a key hub on the ancient Tang-Tibet Road. Princess Wencheng, married to Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, passed through Sun Moon Mountain. When the princess reached this point, she looked back, unable to see Chang'an, and was overcome with homesickness. She left behind numerous legends and stories here. Sun Moon Mountain has thus become imbued with a rich cultural and romantic atmosphere, standing as a historical witness to the friendly exchanges between the Han and Tibetan peoples. It symbolizes the marriage between the Tang Dynasty and Tibet, promoting the cultural exchange and integration between the two sides. For example, advanced production technologies, cultural texts, and ritual systems from the Central Plains gradually spread to Tibet, while Tibetan culture and products also flowed to the Central Plains.
Throughout the centuries that followed, Sun-Moon Mountain has stood tall on this land, silently witnessing the passage of dynasties and the transformation of ethnic groups. Like a living history book, it chronicles the movements of diverse ethnic groups in this region, as well as their interdependence, exchange, and shared development. Whether a site of ancient military defense, commercial exchange, or cultural exchange, Sun-Moon Mountain shines like a brilliant pearl, radiating a unique and enduring light through the long river of history. Its historical value, infused with ever-increasing value, continues to captivate future generations, drawing them to explore and cherish the memory of that magnificent past.
The RV glided steadily along the winding mountain road, Li Fugui carefully steering the wheel, ensuring the comfort and safety of the passengers. Zhang Tingjian, the Little God of Wealth, gazed out the window at the ever-changing scenery, silently marveling at the wonders of nature. On the slopes of Sun and Moon Mountain, prayer flags fluttered in the wind, their vibrant colors dazzling in the sunlight. Each flag carried a prayer, dancing in the wind, as if expressing an ancient blessing.
As they approached the summit of Sun and Moon Mountain, intense sunlight bathed the landscape, cloaking the entire range in a golden glow. Zhang Bei reached the summit first. Standing outside the car, he surveyed the magnificent scenery. The mountains in the distance rose and fell, a sea of clouds swirling among them, a dreamlike scene. Xiao Xing, too, was overwhelmed by the beauty before her. She opened her arms, as if wanting to embrace the vastness of the world.
The RV soon reached the summit, and everyone disembarked. The thin air brought on by the altitude slightly quickened their heartbeats, but this did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm for the beautiful scenery. On the summit, the ancient Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion stood facing each other, witnessing the passage of time and the vicissitudes of history. Zhang Nan excitedly ran inside, curiously examining the interior structure and decorations.
Zhang Tingjian stood on the mountaintop, gazing into the distance, his thoughts drifting. He thought of the ancients who once traversed this land, those who crossed the mountains for cultural exchange and trade, their footprints still etched on this land. Sister Tao took out her camera to capture these precious moments, each one capturing everyone's brilliant smiles and the breathtaking scenery behind them.
At the summit of Sun Moon Mountain, they rested briefly, sharing the food and drinks they had brought. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, bringing a touch of coolness and a feeling of incomparable comfort. Po lay quietly nearby, enjoying the warmth of the sun. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, and everyone was immersed in this beautiful atmosphere where nature and humanity blended together.
As the sun gradually set, they knew it was time to return. Though reluctant, the journey from Erlangjian, Qinghai Lake, to Daotang River, and finally to Riyue Mountain had left a deep and unforgettable impression. Zhang Bei and Li Fugui promised to explore more beautiful scenery together in the future, continuing to write their own travel stories.
The vehicle slowly drove away from Riyue Mountain, and the mountains behind it gradually became blurred in the afterglow of the setting sun, but the scenery, laughter and touching moments along the way will always be treasured in their hearts and become a brilliant memory in their life journey.