Chapter 20: The Deepest Yearning of My Heart

Chen Yage and Li Bai, having listened, also walked over to Wang Chaotian, with Buffalo trailing behind them.

“Uncle Wang, we’ve come to see Sister Chaoyun!” Dujuan said sweetly, her smile blooming as she took Wang Chaoyun’s arm.

Wang Chaoyun’s face was kindly as he chuckled, murmuring, “Good, good! Chaoyun’s been thinking about you all day!”

Chen Yage was instantly puzzled. Ten years ago, Chaoyun had encountered a female ghost, yet the Wang Chaotian before her looked to be only around forty, with a hint of stubble on his chin, sun-darkened skin, and the honest air of a farmer, as guileless as the buffalo. Dujuan called Chaoyun “Sister”—so just how old was Chaoyun ten years ago?

Though Chen Yage brimmed with questions, she knew it was considered rude in ancient times to inquire after a woman’s age. Even if she hadn’t suffered under feudal customs, she had to adapt to local etiquette. Li Bai seemed to read her thoughts and pointed at the buffalo. Chen Yage understood—she could count on Buffalo to tell her later. For now, there was no rush. She plastered on a broad smile and greeted brightly, “Good day, Uncle Wang!”

“And you are?” Wang Chaoyun eyed Chen Yage and Li Bai with mild suspicion.

“We’re friends of Dujuan and Buffalo. My name is Chen Yage, and this is Li Bai,” she said, pulling Li Bai closer and boldly looping her arm through his. “We mean no harm. Dujuan told us Chaoyun is a beautiful and kind young lady, and our curiosity got the better of us. I hope you don’t mind us tagging along?”

Li Bai was momentarily stunned, but soon composed himself. He said nothing, merely gazing at Chen Yage in mild confusion. Sometimes she struck him as a wild, unruly girl—lacking in manners and restraint, and with a skin as thick as leather. Yet he had to admit, she was brave and clever. Wild she may be, but her wits were sharp.

“Of course not! I’m delighted you came to see Chaoyun—how could I possibly mind? She’ll be so happy to see you all.” Wang Chaotian set down his plow and, speaking cheerily, led the way. The group followed close behind.

This Peach Blossom Valley was a true earthly paradise—tranquil and secluded, with picturesque scenery. In the distance, verdant hills stood like jade, ancient trees arched their boughs skyward, dense with leaves that blotted out the sun. At the base of the mountains, a winding footpath twisted upward like a silver snake.

But what enchanted Chen Yage most was the murmuring stream, water so clear and blue it mirrored the sky, pure and unsullied. Unable to resist, she rushed to the bank, scooped up a handful to wash her face, and then, unsatisfied, drank two more handfuls before she finally felt at ease.

“Far beyond the nation’s gate, the country path is blocked by distant mountains; by day I recall the Terrace of Xiangru, by night I dream of Ziyun’s home.” Li Bai joined her by the stream, gazing into the water with a handful cupped, lost in thought. After a long moment, he spoke: “My home, too, is a place blessed with clear waters and fragrant flowers. There’s a small stream right in front of my house.”

“Are you homesick?” Chen Yage asked softly. She knew people of the past were different from those of today; without advanced technology or transportation, unlike now, when with enough money, one could travel the skies or dive beneath the seas—nothing was impossible except the unwilling.

A traveler venturing a thousand miles, with no promise of return—by the time they saw home again, who could say how many years would have passed? Suddenly, Chen Yage realized just how fortunate she was now: good food, good drink, amusements aplenty, and convenience everywhere.

“I left Shu at sixteen, sailing down the Yangtze, and in a blink, I’ve wandered the land for ten years. How fast time flies!” Li Bai said with a touch of melancholy.

“Brother Bai,” Chen Yage called gently.

“That’s enough talk of such things,” Li Bai said, rising to his feet. “Let’s go—you wanted to see Chaoyun, didn’t you? Come, hurry!” With that, he strode over to Wang Chaotian and struck up a conversation. “Uncle Wang, have you always lived here?”

“Yes, I grew up in these mountains. I know every hill, every stream, every tree and blade of grass as well as I know myself. Why, is something the matter?” Wang Chaotian asked, puzzled.

Li Bai laughed softly. “This place, with its towering peaks, lush forests, bamboo groves, and crystal-clear streams, is adorned with peach blossoms stretching for miles, competing in beauty and fragrance. It’s almost too lovely to take in. I, Li Bai, am truly envious!”

“If you love it so much, Brother Bai, why not stay here?” Dujuan was all smiles at his praise, taking his arm as if he were an old friend, not someone she’d only just met.

Li Bai didn’t mind at all, laughing heartily. “I’d love nothing more, but whether I can truly settle here is not something I can decide so hastily. Life is unpredictable; none of us knows what the next moment will bring, or whom we might meet.”

Bound by Destiny in the Tang Dynasty: Immortal Poet, Wait! Chapter 20—Bound by Destiny in the Tang Dynasty: Immortal Poet, Wait! Free to read—Chapter 20, The Most Bittersweet Yearning, now updated!