After a satisfying meal, the two strolled through the streets of Shudu, taking in a mesmerizing parade of beautiful sights before reluctantly returning to their hotel.

Silence reigned throughout the night. The next morning, Wang Guan awoke, went into the living area, and drew the curtains only to discover a gentle rain falling outside. It was a soft, fine drizzle, like silk threads, exquisitely fresh and delightful.

This light rain had fallen almost imperceptibly during the quiet night, unnoticed by them.

“The wind quietly enters the night, moistening things silently…”

At this moment, Wang Guan seemed to grasp the sentiment Du Fu had expressed in Shudu all those years ago.

“What are you reciting poetry for so early in the morning?”

Just then, Yu Feibai awoke, rubbing his still-sleepy eyes as he slowly emerged. A sudden gust of cool wind swept in, causing him to shiver violently until he was completely awake.

“Oh, it’s raining,” he murmured.

Yu Feibai quickly retreated to his room to dress properly before rejoining Wang Guan.

“Shu Province is naturally damp, and now that winter has arrived, rain isn't surprising. It’s a blessing it’s not snowing,” Wang Guan chuckled. “So, where’s the first stop today?”

They had already agreed the night before to focus on sightseeing before venturing into the antique markets.

“Since you were reciting Du Fu’s poem, the first stop must naturally be the Du Fu Thatched Cottage,” Yu Feibai declared.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage, also known as Huanhua Thatched Cottage, Gongbu Thatched Cottage, or Shaoling Thatched Cottage, sits beside the Huanhua Stream on the western outskirts of Shudu. Legend holds that this was where Du Fu settled after years of wandering. Whether it is the precise location, however, is hard to ascertain.

One must remember that after Du Fu left Shudu, the cottage fell into ruin. During the Five Dynasties period, the poet Wei Zhuang rediscovered the site, rebuilt the thatched hut, and restored the cottage. Since then, subsequent eras have seen repeated renovations.

Therefore, whether the present cottage stands on the exact spot Du Fu once occupied is likely known only to Du Fu himself.

Furthermore, Du Fu originally lived in a simple thatched hut, hence the name ‘Thatched Cottage.’ Yet, today, the site has been transformed into a magnificent museum complex.

Currently, the entire Du Fu Thatched Cottage covers nearly 300 mu, encompassing the original site, the Plum Garden, and the Caotang Temple. Within the main historical grounds, the screen wall, main gate, Grand Hall, Poetry History Hall, brushwood gate, and Gongbu Shrine are all neatly aligned.

Flanked by symmetrical covered corridors and other ancillary buildings, the area is interwoven with flowing water, small bridges, and shaded by bamboo and trees, lending it an atmosphere that is simultaneously solemn and dignified, ancient and elegant, yet deeply tranquil, serene, and beautifully clear.

This architectural style could be described as a hybrid of Suzhou and Hangzhou garden artistry—truly exquisite and incredibly opulent. In truth, if one considers the matter, if the Du Fu of that era had possessed such wealth, he surely wouldn't have endured such a life of displacement.

Of course, this is the sort of thing people are long accustomed to; no one raises an objection. Moreover, if the renowned Du Fu Thatched Cottage turned out to be nothing more than a dilapidated shack, countless visitors would loudly demand a refund for feeling cheated!

Thus, in matters where both parties tacitly agree, it’s best not to scrutinize too closely. In any case, upon arriving at the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Wang Guan said little, simply touring the elegant scenery of the museum grounds in quiet contemplation.

Among all the sights, what most delighted and surprised Wang Guan was the collection housed within the cottage—works by renowned masters such as Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Fu Baoshi, and Pan Tianshou, among other prominent modern and contemporary painters.

“Actually, the main reason I brought you to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage was specifically to see these works,” Yu Feibai confided with a smile. “These pieces are really the only interesting things here.”

“Mmm,” Wang Guan nodded softly. While carefully admiring the masterpieces, he was also stealthily absorbing the residual Bao Qi (precious aura) emanating from the paintings. Although the artifacts were not ancient enough to radiate immense energy, every little bit counted, and he certainly wouldn't overlook it.

After viewing the famous paintings, the pair continued their tour, visiting the Caotang Temple and the Huanhua Shrine in succession. By the time they finished exploring the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, it was already noon.

After grabbing lunch at a local eatery, the two immediately headed to the Wuhou Shrine.

To enter the Wuhou Shrine, one must first pass through Jinli. Legend claims Jinli is one of the oldest and most commercially vibrant streets in Shu history, famous nationwide as far back as the Qin-Han and Three Kingdoms periods.

Today, leveraging the Wuhou Shrine, Jinli concentrates the essence of Shudu life. With teahouses, inns, restaurants, bars, opera stages, specialty snacks, crafts, and local products, it fully displays the unique charm of Shu folk customs.

Walking along the winding lanes of Jinli, the courtyards, alleys meeting waterways, lakes, lotus ponds, and stone bridges create the illusion of traveling through time, back into antiquity. Here, one can easily find retro handicrafts—shaping a clay figurine, spinning sugar art, or buying a paper cut—providing endless nostalgic enjoyment.

However, after touring Jinli and paying respects at the Wuhou Shrine, Wang Guan felt a twinge of disappointment. While the area was bustling and prosperous, it lacked the feeling he associated with reciting Du Fu’s poem The Prime Minister of Shu.

“Where can the Prime Minister’s ancestral hall be found? Amidst the towering cypresses beyond Jinguancheng… Before success in the expedition, he passed away; ever since, heroes weep with sorrow.”

In Wang Guan’s mind, Zhuge Wuhou’s shrine, if not desolate, should have been situated among green mountains and clear waters, gazing out at the vast expanse of heaven and earth, fitting the modesty and grandeur of Zhuge Liang: a commoner who cultivated land in Nanyang; summoned three times, devised the Longzhong Plan, and partitioned the world into three kingdoms.

With a sense of wistful reflection, the visit to Wuhou Shrine concluded, and evening had fallen, meaning the day had slipped away unnoticed.

Over the next two days, led by Yu Feibai, Wang Guan breezed through famous scenic spots like Wenshu Monastery, Kuanzhai Alley, Qingyang Palace, and Zhaojue Temple.

During this time, they sampled numerous local delicacies and specifically attended demonstrations of the magnificent Shu Brocade and Shu Embroidery. Finally, on the morning of the fourth day, fully prepared, the two charged towards Songxian Bridge with determined fervor.

“Legend has it that a scholar was strolling by Mudih River Bridge one morning. A passerby spotted him and exclaimed that this scholar was Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, who had come here to admire lanterns and flowers…”

On the way there, Yu Feibai recounted the story behind Songxian Bridge: “From then on, that Mudih River Bridge was named Encountering Immortals Bridge, or Sending Off Immortals Bridge. Subsequently, various myths sprang up, with He Xiangu and Lan Caihe showing up too.”

“Normal enough. The Eight Immortals are a unit; once one appears, the others are sure to follow,” Wang Guan laughed. “Yesterday, at Qingyang Palace, those Taoists even claimed that Laozi practiced cultivation there and that the green goat was an incarnation of the Old Master.”

“Don’t worry about legends like that. We’re here to browse an antique market, not to research mythology.”

Yu Feibai waved his hand, sounding slightly excited. “This place rivals the famous antique hubs like Liulichang and Panjiayuan in the capital, Gulou Street in Tianjin, and Shuyuanmen in Chang’an. All sorts of treasures abound; we absolutely cannot leave empty-handed!”

............................ Thanks to book friend “Kaixin Luoba” for the reward. The transitional chapter is complete; the new arc begins. Please support with collection and recommendations. C

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