Entertainment from Divorce

Along the way, Chen Ziyu scrolled through travel guides for Seoul on her phone, captivated by the photos of soaring eaves, painted beams, and vermilion gates. She would occasionally point to the screen and say to Tan Yue, "Look at this Han Palace Square, and there's even a Royal Guard parade. We absolutely have to catch it!"

As the car entered Seoul, the city's majestic walls came into view in the distance.

The city gate, modeled after the one from the Han Dynasty, soars into the clouds, and the two characters "Han City" shine brightly in the sunlight.

After parking the car, Chen Ziyu eagerly pulled Tan Yue into the scenic area.

Stepping through the city gate is like instantly traveling back to the Han Dynasty two thousand years ago—the bluestone road winds forward, shops line the streets, shopkeepers dressed in Hanfu enthusiastically call out to customers, "soldiers" in armor patrol back and forth on the city wall, and even the streetlights are in the shape of ancient bronze lamps.

"Wow!" Chen Ziyu covered her mouth in shock at the sight before her. "This is so realistic!" She dragged Tan Yue straight to Han Palace Square, just in time to catch the Imperial Guards' parade.

Amidst the sound of drums and music, a troop of "Imperial Guards" dressed in black armor and carrying long halberds marched in with orderly steps. The general leading them was majestic and awe-inspiring, attracting tourists to stop and take pictures.

Chen Ziyu stood on tiptoe, engrossed in watching, and Tan Yue took the opportunity to raise his camera and capture her focused profile against the backdrop of the Han Dynasty scene.

After crossing the square, the two arrived at the majestic Han Palace.

The main hall of the Han Palace is magnificent, with golden glazed tiles shimmering in the sunlight and lifelike beasts on the eaves.

The hall displays replicas of Han Dynasty artifacts, from bronze tripods to silk brocades, each piece telling the story of the Han Dynasty's glory. Chen Ziyu marveled at the exquisite exhibits, even mimicking ancient etiquette by bowing and nodding, looking playful and adorable.

Tan Yue followed behind her, occasionally acting as a "narrator," recounting the knowledge he had learned from history books.

What excited Chen Ziyu the most was the Hanfu rental point in the scenic area.

She was overwhelmed by the dazzling array of Hanfu and finally chose a pink Qixiong Ruqun (a type of Hanfu dress) with a light purple shawl over it.

Tan Yue changed into a dark blue cross-collar robe with a white jade accessory tied around his waist.

The two stood in front of the bronze mirror, looking at each other and smiling. The mirror reflected them as a perfect couple who seemed to have stepped out of a Han Dynasty painting.

They strolled through the streets of Hancheng dressed in Hanfu, and were attracted by the aroma of wine as they passed a brewery.

The shopkeeper warmly invited them to taste the traditionally brewed rice wine, and the sweet taste made Chen Ziyu unable to resist taking a few more sips.

As she walked past the embroidery workshop, she was drawn to the exquisite embroidery and stopped to watch the embroiderers use colorful threads to create lifelike flowers and birds.

Tan Yue silently recorded every moment of her surprise, the sound of the camera shutter and the shouts of street vendors intertwining to create a cheerful melody.

Around noon, the two dined at "Hanfeng Restaurant" on the street.

On the wooden table are earthenware pots simmering soup, flatbread, and roasted mutton, all served in rustic ceramic bowls, creating a unique ambiance.

Chen Ziyu took a bite of the crispy sesame flatbread and said with a smile, "So the lives of people in ancient times were also so interesting!"

After lunch and a short rest, the two drove to Chunqiu Village.

As the car drove along the winding mountain road, the scenery outside the window gradually changed from the simple and rustic Han Dynasty architecture to the verdant mountains.

Looking at the distant, misty mountain peaks, Chen Ziyu couldn't help but sigh, "Seoul is like a magnificent dream, but Chunqiu Village feels even more mysterious."

When we arrived at Chunqiu Village Scenic Area, the afternoon sun was shining brightly.

They took a cruise ship through the rippling Maoping River, where the verdant mountains on both banks were reflected in the water, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting.

As the boat reached the foot of the mountain, an ancient village built on the ridge came into view.

Chunqiu Village is built into the mountainside, resembling a giant dragon coiled on a steep cliff. Despite the vicissitudes of time, the village walls, arrow towers, and cannon emplacements still retain their imposing presence.

As they climbed the steep stone steps, Chen Ziyu held tightly to Tan Yue's hand.

A cool breeze occasionally blew through the mountains, ruffling her hair.

"How did the ancients manage to build this ancient village in such a precipitous place?" she asked breathlessly.

Tan Yue pointed to the stone holes in the stockade wall and explained, "I heard that this is where King Zhuang of Chu, one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period, built a stockade and stationed troops. These designs were all for the purpose of defending against foreign enemies. His wisdom and courage are admirable."

Upon reaching the top of the village, the view suddenly opens up.

Looking into the distance, the mountains stretch endlessly, and the Maoping River meanders through the landscape like a jade ribbon.

Inside the ancient village, stone houses, stone mills, and stone mortars are scattered everywhere, as if telling the story of past battles and wars.

Chen Ziyu walked into a well-preserved stone house and touched the mottled stone walls, as if he could feel the warmth of history.

What amazed them most was the Spring and Autumn Pavilion.

This three-story stone building stands at the highest point in the village. From the top of the building, you can take in the entire ancient village and the surrounding landscape.

As the sun sets, its afterglow falls on the stone walls of the ancient village, gilding this thousand-year-old structure with a golden glow.

Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu stood side by side, gazing at the beautiful scenery before them, momentarily speechless.

"It would be wonderful to watch a sunrise and sunset here," Chen Ziyu said softly.

Tan Yue put his arm around her shoulder: "Let's come again when we have the chance."

The two lingered in the village for a long time until dusk, when they reluctantly left.

On the way back to the city, Chen Ziyu leaned against the window, watching the last rays of sunset gradually disappear on the horizon.

On this day, the ancient charm of Hancheng and the clash of swords and horses of Chunqiu Village intertwined in her heart. Tan Yue looked at her tired yet content profile and gently took her hand.

Outside the car window, the lights of thousands of homes gradually came on, but their journey continued.

……

In the early morning in Xiangshi, sunlight streamed through the hotel curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Tan Yue slowly woke up from her sleep, stretched, and turned to look at Chen Ziyu, who was still fast asleep beside her.

Her face was serene and peaceful, bathed in the warm glow of the soft morning light. As Tan Yue looked at her, a gentle smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

He tiptoed out of bed, careful not to wake her, and walked to the window to draw back the curtains. The sight of the city gradually waking up came into view.

On the streets, early risers have already begun their busy day. The enticing aromas wafting from breakfast stalls, mingling with the fresh morning air, make people feel exceptionally relaxed.

After Tan Yue finished washing up, he returned to the bedside and gently kissed Chen Ziyu on the forehead.

Chen Ziyu frowned slightly, murmured a few words, and slowly opened her eyes. She saw Tan Yue looking at her with a smile, and she also showed a sweet smile: "Good morning."

"Good morning, you little sleepyhead, time to get up."

"Today we're going to Suicheng, and the Thousand-Year-Old Ginkgo Valley is waiting for us!" Tan Yue said gently. Chen Ziyu stretched and sat up in bed: "I'm so excited! I heard the scenery in the Thousand-Year-Old Ginkgo Valley is absolutely stunning."

The two packed their luggage, checked out of the hotel, and went to a breakfast shop near the hotel.

Xiangyang offers a wide variety of breakfast options. They ordered a steaming bowl of Xiangshi beef noodles. The noodles were chewy and smooth, the broth was rich and flavorful, and it was topped with large slices of beef and vibrant green cilantro. Paired with a cup of fragrant soy milk, they ate to their heart's content.

After breakfast, they arrived at Xiangyang Bus Station and boarded a bus bound for Suicheng.

The bus slowly pulled out of Xiangshi, the scenery outside the window constantly changing, with skyscrapers gradually being replaced by vast fields and rolling hills. Along the way, Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu chatted and laughed, sharing their interesting stories and their anticipation for the trip.

Chen Ziyu leaned on Tan Yue's shoulder, watching the scenery rushing past the window, her heart filled with happiness.

After several hours of driving, they finally arrived in Suicheng.

Suicheng exudes an ancient and tranquil atmosphere, as if it carries the stories of time.

They found a hotel in Suicheng, put down their luggage, and rested for a while.

The hotel rooms are cozy and comfortable. Looking out the window, you can see pedestrians strolling leisurely on the street and charming little shops lining the street.

Chen Ziyu lay on the bed, her eyes slightly closed, feeling the fatigue of the journey gradually dissipate.

Tan Yue sat on the edge of the bed and gently held her hand: "Are you tired? Take a good rest first, and we'll go to the Thousand-Year Ginkgo Valley this afternoon."

Chen Ziyu opened her eyes and looked at Tan Yue: "With you by my side, it's all worth it, no matter how tired I am. And just thinking about seeing the beautiful scenery of the Thousand-Year Ginkgo Valley soon fills me with energy again."

After resting for a while, the two regained their energy and set off from the hotel for the Millennium Ginkgo Valley.

It was afternoon, and the sun was still shining brightly, but not as scorching as at midday. A gentle breeze was blowing, bringing a touch of coolness.

They traveled along the winding road in local transportation, where the scenery became increasingly beautiful, with lush trees and rolling mountains in the distance, resembling a stunning landscape painting.

Finally, they arrived at the Millennium Ginkgo Valley.

As soon as Chen Ziyu got out of the car, she was stunned by the scenery in front of her.

The mountains and fields are covered with tall, straight ginkgo trees with lush foliage.

Although it's not yet the season for ginkgo leaves to turn golden, the lush greenery has its own unique charm.

Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, creating patches of golden light that sway gracefully on the ground.

Tan Yue held Chen Ziyu's hand and strolled along the mountain path.

The path is lined with ginkgo trees of various shapes and sizes. Some of them have thick trunks that require several people to encircle them. They have witnessed countless changes over the years.
Some are relatively slender, yet still graceful and elegant.

Chen Ziyu excitedly looked around and touched everything, taking out her phone to take pictures from time to time, wanting to record every beautiful scene.

"Tan Yue, how many years do you think these ginkgo trees have been growing here? They must hold so many stories," Chen Ziyu said, gazing up at a tall ginkgo tree.

Looking at the light shining in her eyes, Tan Yue smiled and said, "Yes, they are like witnesses to history, silently guarding this land. Perhaps, in their long lives, they have witnessed many romantic stories."

The two continued walking forward and came to an open area with a small ginkgo forest. The ground was covered with tender green ginkgo leaves, like a soft carpet.

Chen Ziyu ran over excitedly and twirled around on the ginkgo leaves, her skirt fluttering and her smile radiant.

Looking at her cheerful appearance, Tan Yue was filled with love. He picked up his phone and captured this beautiful moment.

In Ginkgo Valley, they also met some local villagers.

The villagers were warm and hospitable, telling them the legends and stories of Ginkgo Valley.

It is said that a long time ago, this place suffered a severe drought, the crops withered and died, and the people lived in hardship.

Just when everyone was in despair, a celestial being passed by and was moved by the villagers' suffering, so he planted these ginkgo trees. These ginkgo trees not only brought coolness and vitality to the people, but also miraculously improved the local climate, making the land fertile again.

Since then, the ginkgo tree has been regarded as a symbol of good fortune by the local people, who have carefully protected it for generations.

Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu listened intently, their awe and love for these ginkgo trees growing even stronger. They followed the villagers to an ancient ginkgo tree, known as the "Ginkgo King," whose trunk was astonishingly thick, its branches stretching out in all directions like a giant umbrella, shading a large part of the sky.

There were also some offerings placed under the tree, which the villagers put there to pray for peace and a good harvest.

Chen Ziyu piously clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and made a wish.

Tan Yue stood beside her, quietly watching her, and silently made a wish in his heart that he could live happily with the girl in front of him forever.

After making their wishes, the two continued exploring the Ginkgo Valley.

They discovered a clear stream, its waters flowing gently and splashing against the rocks.

The ginkgo branches by the stream droop down to the water's surface, as if playing with the water.

Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu squatted by the stream, cupping the cool water in their hands and feeling the gift of nature.

"I wish I could stay here for a while. Being surrounded by such beautiful scenery every day would be so wonderful," Chen Ziyu exclaimed.

Tan Yue said with a smile, "When we have the chance in the future, we'll find some time to come back, stay for a few days, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty here."

Before we knew it, the sun was gradually setting in the west, and the sky was dyed orange-red, sprinkling every corner of Ginkgo Valley and draping the entire valley in a golden veil.

Tan Yue and Chen Ziyu knew it was time to leave, but they were both reluctant to part with this beautiful place.

They walked back slowly, and no one said much along the way, just quietly enjoying these last beautiful moments.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows of them, and their hands were clasped tightly together, as if time itself stood still for them at that moment.

As they left Ginkgo Valley, they looked back at the ginkgo forest bathed in the setting sun, their hearts filled with longing.

Although their trip to Ginkgo Valley is coming to an end, the beautiful scenery and the memories they shared will remain in their hearts forever, becoming a precious and wonderful recollection.

On the way back to the hotel, Chen Ziyu leaned on Tan Yue and whispered, "I'm so happy today, thank you, Tan Yue."

Tan Yue gently hugged her: "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. I'll take you to more and more beautiful places in the future, and create more wonderful memories together."

Back at the hotel, the two had a simple dinner, then washed up and rested.

Lying in bed, Chen Ziyu recalled the moments she had experienced in Ginkgo Valley that day, a smile on her lips, before drifting off into a sweet dream.

Looking at her sleeping peacefully, Tan Yue felt incredibly content and happy, silently looking forward to their trip the next day.

Outside the window, night deepened, and the twinkling stars seemed like blessings from the sky for their wonderful journey. (End of Chapter)