Chapter Nine, Tea Mountain Love Song

Lin Tong looked at Lian Ce, whose pale purple eyes were filled with sorrow. He sighed inwardly and silently thought, "Zitong, I am sorry. I know this will hurt you greatly, but I believe it will pass soon."

Since the last time Lin Tong handed over the silver he had obtained from the four masters to Zi Tong, those elders who had been scolded harshly by him surprisingly had an epiphany. Not only did they resolutely support Lin Tong's plan, but they also made an exception to grant Zi Tong full responsibility. Naturally, Zi Tong kept the source of the silver absolutely confidential as per Lin Tong's request, and even among his own clan, apart from a few leaders, the others were completely unaware.

In fact, he had also contemplated this himself. Over the years, through discreet inquiries and listening to the subtle hints from his senior brothers and sisters, he had come to understand that the four masters were not as detached from worldly affairs as they claimed, completely immersed in the beauty of nature. Although they rarely left the valley, there were often people returning from the outside. These individuals always appeared mysterious, and his senior brothers were seldom at home. In particular, he had not seen the eldest senior brother, Cheng Tianpeng, since the day he became a disciple. All these factors indicated to him that something was amiss. Although they rarely left the valley, there were often people returning from the outside. These individuals always appeared mysterious, and his senior brothers were seldom at home. In particular, he had not seen the eldest senior brother, Cheng Tianpeng, since the day he became a disciple. All these factors indicated to him that something was amiss.

The moonlight was thick, and a gentle breeze brushed through the treetops like the whispers of lovers. Zitong was pulled into the crowd by several sisters, joining everyone in the ethnic dance. Upon seeing Zitong come down, the originally enthusiastic crowd became even more spirited, and in an instant, songs erupted, soaring into the sky. Lin Tong watched the excited crowd with a smile on her face

Seeing Lin Tong's helpless expression, Mother and Zitong smiled in silence. After Lin Tong helped Kui return to the room and settle down, he finally sat down with Zitong to discuss the situation regarding the export of goods and the matter of petitioning in the capital. The petitioning matter is particularly significant; historically, at least in the history of this dynasty, there has been no precedent for ethnic minorities, referred to as 'barbarians' by the authorities, to petition in the capital. Therefore, this matter must be handled with caution.

Suddenly, a faint sound of footsteps came from behind. Lin Tang turned around to see Uncle Kuiya, who had unknowingly left the crowd and come here. The two exchanged a smile, and Kuiya said, "Our beautiful canary has grown up." After saying this, he cast a meaningful glance at Lin Tang.

After listening, Jinqiao chuckled and said to her several sisters behind her: "We still wanted to help, but it seems that Zitong has no one in her heart. I wonder how many brothers will be heartbroken and shed tears tonight." After she finished speaking, everyone burst into laughter.

Lin Tongchong smiled slightly and said: "To the Miao family, I am merely a passerby; to Zitong, it is the same. I do not belong here, and one day I will leave, returning to the sky that belongs to me. Just as I mentioned, I came here purely by chance for a visit, seeking some enjoyment without the intention to harm anyone. Can you understand, Uncle?"

Jin Qiaomei furrowed her brows and glared into the darkness, just as she was about to speak, a voice rang out from beyond the crowd: "Haha, this girl is so lovely that I can't help but feel pity for her. Since Xiao Bao Ge is ignoring you, let Xiao Yuan Ge accompany you instead."

Later, Zitong arranged to meet Lin Tong several times according to the contact methods Lin Tong had taught him, discussing business and legal matters together. Although Lin Tong often claimed not to concern himself with the affairs of the Miao village, he never refused to share his thoughts in detail whenever Zitong asked him directly. For matters he was uncertain about, he would consult a few masters before informing Zitong. Those four eccentric old men, despite their unpredictable ways of doing things, truly lived up to their reputation as formidable figures of their time, easily pointing out the shortcomings in Lin Tong's plans and providing reasonable suggestions. For matters he was uncertain about, he would consult a few masters before informing Zitong. Those four eccentric old men, despite their unpredictable ways of doing things, truly lived up to their reputation as formidable figures of their time, easily pointing out the shortcomings in Lin Tong's plans and providing reasonable suggestions

Zitong stood in the crowd with her head lowered, her face flushed with embarrassment. Jin Qiao beside her gave her a gentle push and whispered in her ear: "If you don't seize the opportunity now, there will be no chance left."

Suddenly, someone gently tugged at Zitong. She turned around excitedly, only to see Jinqiao looking at her with a mischievous smile. The stark contrast in her emotions caused her to frown slightly. Jinqiao smiled at her and softly said: "Why, my beautiful canary, are you also searching for your little brother in your heart today?"

As the crowd erupted in joy, the bonfire party officially commenced. The young men and women could hardly contain their excitement as they rushed to the scene, hand in hand, encircling the massive bonfire, singing and dancing with abandon.

Time passed second by second, and the surroundings remained quiet and silent. Zitong's slightly flushed face gradually turned pale, and tears slowly began to accumulate in her eyes. Upon seeing that Lin Tang did not respond, Jinqiao let out a hearty laugh and said, "It seems that Xiao Bao Ge is a bit shy." As she spoke, she gently tugged at Zitong.

July 15 is regarded as a special day in Lin Tang's understanding. According to traditional Chinese beliefs, today is the Ghost Festival, during which various special activities are held to honor ancestors and pay respect to spirits. In Buddhism, it is referred to as the Ullambana Festival, primarily for self-reflection. Taoism also places great importance on this day, calling it the Zhongyuan Festival. Cheng Wanli, who hails from the Buddhist community, and Ye Qingping, from the Taoist sacred site of Wuwei Sword Sect, are both involved in activities at Qingxin Valley today. Lin Tang has always found these matters bothersome; respectfully bowing and lighting incense is not as enjoyable as watching young people sing love songs and pursue relationships.

Before arriving, Cheng Wanli informed Lin Tang that he had already inquired through his own connections. The additional taxes imposed on the Miao people were definitely not collected by the court; they should have been levied by local officials themselves, who pocketed the entirety of the funds without remitting them. Furthermore, Cheng Wanli and Ye Qingping assisted in finding some connections in the capital, which might be helpful for the situation. Lin Tang conveyed all this information in detail to Zi Tong.

Miao Renben's hospitality, combined with the previous unpleasantness being swept away, made this meal particularly harmonious. Especially Kuyi, who was in exceptionally high spirits; under his frequent toasts, the two of them finished an entire bamboo tube of rice wine. Lin Tang, with his profound internal strength, fared somewhat better, while Kuyi's father, who claimed to have a large capacity for alcohol, drunkenly embraced Lin Tang's shoulder, repeatedly calling him "little brother"

Lin Tong silently walked up the mountain when suddenly a clear voice called out from behind: "Xiao Bao Ge." He turned around abruptly but saw no one. Could it be that he misheard? Just then, he heard someone shout loudly: "Xiao Bao Ge, are you there? Zi Tong A Mei wants to invite you to sing mountain songs." As the voice rang out, the crowd erupted in a commotion

Do you know what I am saying? Ku Yi finally became angry; the young man before him always wore an inscrutable expression. He could never understand what was concealed behind his gentle smile.

Kuyi looked at the lonely figure, feeling a pang of sorrow in his heart. Once, he had despised the Han people immensely, but now, seeing the departing silhouette, he felt a deep sense of reluctance.

Zitong shuddered and turned her head to see her friend's encouraging gaze. She raised her head and sang loudly to the dark mountain forest: "Fortunate to meet my brother, he has already settled in my heart, my heart has followed him far away, why does he not pay attention to me?" The song's mournful and resentful sentiment was fully expressed within.

Lin Tong changed her clothes and entered the village with Zi Tong, or she went directly to Zi Tong's home. This time was different from the last; both her father and mother were at home, and her mother was busy preparing meals to entertain Lin Tong. Kui also took out the rice wine he had treasured for many years. In fact, there had never been any real animosity between the two parties; it was just a bit awkward at the beginning of their meeting, but as they started talking, the atmosphere naturally became warm and friendly.

Hearing my sisters tease me, Zitong blushed and played around with them, but kept turning back to look around, only to return disappointed each time. Does he really not understand my feelings, or is he deliberately avoiding me and unwilling to see me

Uncle Kui, who was halfway up the mountain, looked in astonishment at the jubilant crowd in the arena, then turned to gaze at the solitary figure in the darkness, letting out a soft sigh as he slowly made his way down the mountain

By the time Lin Tong arrived outside the village gate, Zi Tong had already been waiting for him. Upon seeing him approach, she ran over lightly and handed him a small package, which was naturally understood to contain Miao attire. Originally, the opinions of Kui Yi and the others were that there was no need to change clothes, but Lin Tong firmly believed that it would not be appropriate. Since they needed to conceal the matter of the silver, it was best not to make the Miao village appear overly enthusiastic towards him to avoid arousing others' suspicions.

Lin Tong shook his head calmly, then raised his head and gently patted Kuiyi's shoulder, saying: "I will always remember this place, remember the beautiful Dami Mountain, remember the grumpy uncle, the mother who makes delicious pancakes, and the lovely and beautiful sister Zitong." He looked up at the moon hanging on the willow branches in the distance, "The moonlight tonight is truly beautiful, so big and round, but as the saying goes, 'when the moon is full, it begins to wane.' Starting tomorrow, it will begin to curve, just like people; after moments of joy, we will ultimately have to part."

Zitong shyly smiled and said, "Sister, please do not speak nonsense, I have no such thoughts!"

Lin Tong stood in an inconspicuous corner, silently observing the excited crowd. Just by looking at them, one can understand that happiness can be so simple. These impoverished Miao people have nearly seventy percent of their annual harvest taxed by the government, leaving them barely able to fill their stomachs. Yet, they can still sing and dance joyfully, which can only be described as a form of happiness, a happiness of the poor. These impoverished Miao people have nearly seventy percent of their annual harvest taxed by the government, leaving them barely able to fill their stomachs. Yet, they can still sing and dance joyfully, which can only be described as a form of happiness, a happiness of the poor.

Kuyi listened to his words, frowning as he glanced at his daughter dancing joyfully in the center of the venue, his eyes filled with tenderness. He turned to Lin Tang and said with some irritation, "Zitong likes you. Today's elaborate outfit was prepared just for you. Can't you see that?"

Under the encouragement of her friends, Zitong finally took a deep breath and gently parted her red lips, releasing a melodious song that floated with the breeze: "Brother has a home, I have none, A solitary lark wanders the world, Brother has a companion, I have none, A lone thrush chirps in disarray." After the clear and beautiful love song, the surroundings fell into silence, as everyone looked around to see how the brother, chosen by the most beautiful canary in the clan, would stand out.

The moon may wane, but it will eventually be full again; when people part, there will ultimately be opportunities to meet again. Young people should not view matters so pessimistically. Since you have decided to leave, I will not say much more. You must remember that no matter when you wish to return, Dami Mountain will always be your home

The green mountains stand tall, surrounded by azure waters, while the jade rabbit rises high, and the fragrance of tea wafts through the air. The feeling Lin Tong experiences while standing atop the tea mountain on a moonlit night can only be described with one word: beauty. In this moment, even the most talented poet would find it impossible to capture even a fraction of the stunning scenery before them with words.

Lin Tong turned to look at the elf dancing joyfully among the crowd. She was so beautiful, so enchanting, her sweet smile more vibrant than flowers and more radiant than the moon. He exerted great effort to shift his gaze away from her, then looked down dimly and softly said: "I also like her; we all like her, don’t we? She is so dazzling, destined to be the leader of the Miao revival. I believe that under her leadership, the villages of Miao will soon become even happier. However, she is still young and needs your support."

In fact, Lin Tang would not truly blame them; it is understandable that they acted from their own perspective. However, under those circumstances, he had to take such measures, as the saying goes, "severe illness requires strong medicine." If he had not sternly reprimanded them at that time, they would not have made their decision so quickly, and naturally, the matter would not have been resolved so smoothly.

Lin Tong looked at the simple uncle, tears glistening in his smiling eyes. He nodded and said: "Uncle is right; the moon has its phases, and people experience joy and sorrow, parting and reunion. I am leaving now, and I will not say goodbye to Zitong. I will just tell my mother and Elder Teng Pu that we will meet again. Alas, who knows when that will be." After saying this, he did not look back and walked towards the back of the mountain.

Time flies; in the blink of an eye, another month has passed. Lin Tang finished his grooming early and said a word to his mother before heading out. Yesterday, he saw a message from Zi Tong on the stone wall outside the valley, informing him that there would be a bonfire party in the Miao village tonight. She earnestly invited Lin Tang to attend.

Thus, amidst the repeated meetings and discussions between the two, their plan was set in motion. Although the clansmen were unaware of the truth, several elders and Kui were well aware of the developments. Therefore, while they did not speak of it, they were deeply grateful to Lin Tang. Although today's invitation was presented by Zitong, the true driving force behind it was those old fellows, who were simply too embarrassed to admit their involvement.

It seems that the Miao people do not have much interest in the Ghost Festival celebrated by the Han people of the Central Plains; enjoying life and having fun is what truly makes this world a paradise.

How could Lin Tong not understand that he stood silently in the darkness, watching Zi Tong as she laughed and as she felt sorrow? Yet he could not accept it, for his fate did not belong here, nor to this mountain range. Although his masters did not state it explicitly, he understood the implications in their words; he had completed his studies, and at his age, it was time for him to venture out and gain some experience on his own

Kuyi stared at him, his eyes filled with deep sorrow. He sighed heavily and said, "Is it really impossible to stay?"

After a moment of silence, a stir began to rise among the crowd, with whispers gradually growing louder, interspersed with angry shouts of condemnation: "Who is this Xiao Bao Ge that dares to treat Zi Tong in this manner?"

Lin Tong still smiled and nodded, saying: "Yes, growing up is not good; when you grow up, you can no longer be carefree like when you were a child. Growing up means you have to bear a lot and also lose a lot."

As soon as the words were spoken, a group of people squeezed into the crowd

The nine "leaders" seated by the bonfire, along with the standing Zitong behind them, presented a striking scene. Dressed in festive attire, Zitong, who was already graceful, appeared even more enchanting. However, a hint of sorrow lingered on her smiling face. From time to time, she would lift her head to scan the crowd, searching for that person's figure. Unfortunately, under the dim moonlight, the throng obscured her view. She sighed softly and lowered her head, gazing at her meticulously prepared outfit, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

At this moment, the men and women of the entire Miao village are dressed in festive attire, gathering on the tea mountain to prepare for a wonderful evening. Especially the young Mido (the Miao term for young men), each one full of spirit and high in emotion, wearing their favorite outfits, gaze at the beautifully adorned and radiant Mica (young women) across from them, their eyes sparkling with excitement. In Lin Tong's words, they look like a group of lovestruck male donkeys.