Preface III: Youths Dream, Wanderers Roam Beyond Boundaries (Part II)

Fang Zheng rose early today. Though he didn't have much to prepare—his few articles of clothing and scattered belongings had been neatly packed the night before—this day marked the first step he would take in this world. What the county town would be like, what people and events awaited him, all remained unknown. Even after three years, he was still but an outsider to this world; Qingniu Village was too small, and whether he could truly integrate depended on this journey to the county. Moreover, he was taking his students along, which made him even more nervous. He hadn’t slept much last night.

Drawing cold water from the well, he splashed his face. The early autumn morning carried a hint of chill, and the sensation of the well water on his skin invigorated him, prompting a sudden chuckle. He, a modern adult accustomed to the wonders and grandeur of sprawling cities, now found himself anxious about venturing to an unfamiliar, modest county town—it hardly seemed fitting. Perhaps it was simply reverence for the unknown, a matter of mindset. Deep inside, he still regarded this world with the feelings of an outsider. His students, he supposed, wouldn’t share this anxiety; they were likely full of anticipation and yearning for the county town.

Fang Zheng carefully attended to his appearance: the same plain azure robe, his once-short hair now reaching half-length, tied with a gray cloth strip, his figure upright, his face austere. Three years of teaching had lent him the scholar’s gentle elegance and a faint, dignified air. He was handsome by nature, and now possessed an added sense of refinement—on his former earth, he could have charmed countless young women. In spirit, Fang Zheng was traditional. During his studies, his resolve for post-graduation travel was so strong that he knew he would not settle down early; coupled with his material circumstances, he never responded to the affections of many girls. Now, he was especially grateful he had not fallen for anyone—thus, his heart would not ache. It was better for everyone. Yet he wondered if anyone in that other world ever remembered him, or thought of him now and then.

Casting one final glance at the courtyard he had lived in for three years, Fang Zheng closed the gate and turned away, his departure swift and resolute, free of lingering attachment. Once decided, he would not hesitate. Walking at an easy pace, he found the village unusually lively today; nearly all the villagers hurried about, some laughing, some saddened. The myriad expressions of life unfolded before him, all prompted by these youths embarking on their first journey. Soon, Fang Zheng reached the village entrance, the agreed meeting place. Beneath an ancient tree stood five large carts resembling wagons, each harnessed to a bull—these were the vehicles prepared for the trip. Villagers clustered around the dozens of youths, some offering quiet advice, others loud reminders, while women constantly brought bundles of clothing, food, and other items. The scene was not unlike parents sending their children off to school back on earth. Though the world differed, the greatness of familial love remained. What parent did not wish for their child to succeed?

Standing apart from the crowd, Fang Zheng felt somewhat lonely; as an orphan, he was touched by sorrow, thinking of his own parents, his heart tinged with bitterness. He had long been accustomed to such moments; now it simply stirred his feelings, causing a faint ripple within. The old village chief was among the crowd, stroking his beard and smiling as he watched. Seeing Fang Zheng approach, he beckoned. Fang Zheng smiled and joined him. The villagers noticed and greeted him with, “Good morning, Master Fang.” Fang Zheng returned each greeting with a smile.

“Little Fang, today I am truly happy—happier than I’ve ever been. This is the scene generations of ancestors in Qingniu Village have longed for. You don’t know what reading means to people like us; it’s almost a faith. When I was thirteen, my father worked hard to send me to a wealthy household as a companion, which was really just a servant. Even so, countless people vied for that position. I served as a companion for two years and learned only a few characters, then returned to Qingniu Village as chief. Now, thanks to the emperor’s grace, these children have a chance to study, and because of you, the village school exists. You are the great benefactor of Qingniu Village.”

“You overstate it, Elder. I owe much to Brother Zhang for saving me, and to you for taking me in. Compared to that, these three years are nothing. If thanks are due, it should be from me.”

“Haha, you’re still the same. I can’t match the bearing of you scholars. I only hope these children can become even a tenth of what you are; then I could die without regret. They are Qingniu Village’s future. The folks from Qingshui Village should arrive soon. I hear they’re bringing a teacher’s gift for you—wonder what good things they’ve prepared. If it’s too shabby, I’ll scold Li Sanzheng thoroughly!”

Li Sanzheng was the chief of Qingshui Village; the elder before Fang Zheng was Zhang Yunkun, and the two had been close friends since youth.

“Chief Li is thoughtful, but I’ve received so much from everyone these years, never lacking anything. How can I accept more and trouble Chief Li further? I really can’t accept it.”

“Haha, that old Li is famous for being stingy, always tight-fisted. If he’s willingly offering a gift today, it must be something truly worthwhile. That’s his nature. Just accept it when the time comes—what you’ve done these three years is a blessing for both villages, a kindness for generations. A gift is only fitting.”

As Fang Zheng and the old chief spoke, a group approached from the village entrance. At the forefront was Li Sanzheng, chief of Qingshui Village, accompanied by two middle-aged men and a dozen youths laden with bundles.

“Let’s go, old Li is here. Let’s see if they’re prepared.”

Page 2/3

The old chief called Fang Zheng to greet the group from Qingshui Village.

“Good morning, sir!” Even before they drew close, the Qingshui Village youths called out in unison. Fang Zheng smiled and responded. Both chiefs looked on with satisfaction. In three years, these children had changed completely—even the former troublemakers who used to call him “Old Li” now greeted him as “Grandpa Li.” All thanks to the young man before them. Thinking this, Li Sanzheng greeted Fang Zheng, “Good morning, Master Fang.” He was not from Qingniu Village, and though he was Zhang Yunkun’s friend, he was unfamiliar with Fang Zheng, so he dared not use the informal “Little Fang.”

“Chief Li, you’re too formal. Please, just call me Fang,” Fang Zheng replied with a smile.

“All right, old Li, I heard you prepared a gift for Fang. Bring it out so I can see, and check if you’re just making up the numbers.”

“Hmph, old Zhang, don’t try to provoke me. Fang Zheng is Qingshui Village’s benefactor; I wouldn’t use junk for a gift. This time, it’s something truly good.” Chief Li pulled a palm-sized wooden box from his coat, opened it, and presented it to Zhang Yunkun.

Fang Zheng found the elders’ banter amusing, but then heard Zhang Yunkun utter a cry of surprise. Fang Zheng looked up; the box was now in Zhang Yunkun’s hands, and he stared at it in astonishment.

“Well? Is this a good thing?” Li Sanzheng looked at Zhang Yunkun with a teasing smile, clearly pleased to surprise his old friend.

“It certainly is. Who would have thought you’d be generous, old miser? As a teacher’s gift, this is quite respectable.” Zhang Yunkun spoke, but with a hint of unwillingness.

“Hmph, though this is nothing compared to Master Fang’s kindness, I doubt Qingniu Village could produce such a thing.”

“You—”

Zhang Yunkun was about to retort, but Fang Zheng interrupted with a laugh: “Chief Li is far too kind. These three years, I have received much from you and Qingshui Village. How could I accept a gift now? Please, take it back.” Fang Zheng truly feared the two elders would quarrel.

“Haha, Fang, just accept it. Old Li has brought something truly valuable—a ginseng root aged a thousand years. In a crisis, it can save a life. Qingniu Village has nothing like this. If you refuse, old Li would only feel worse. I know his character well.”

Page 3/3

Zhang Yunkun urged him, showing none of his previous bluster.

“Master Fang, please accept it. It’s a token of our gratitude from Qingshui Village,” said a middle-aged man from the group.

“Very well, I would be remiss to decline.” Fang Zheng took the box and placed it in his bundle. Chief Li smiled, clearly pleased.

“Chief, everyone is ready to depart,” a young man from Qingniu Village called out.

“Good. Let’s head out. Listen to Fang on the road, and be careful when you reach the county town. With Fang’s abilities, all these youngsters should succeed in their studies. Now, everyone, board the carts.”

After the chief spoke, the young man began ushering the youths from both villages onto the five carts. Along with Fang Zheng and the students, five strong men accompanied them, responsible for driving and ensuring safety. Fang Zheng bid farewell to the villagers, boarded a cart, and, watched by the crowd, slowly set off, leaving the village for a new beginning, a new hope.

The dreams of youth would grow there. Yet the traveler’s steps would not end there...