Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 538 - 421: The Great Grassland

The blue sky, clear lakes, verdant grasslands, galloping horses, and white flocks of sheep. The great grasslands are indeed heaven.

Sitting in the car, the clouds are drifting, birds are flying, and there are hills full of wild apricots in the distance, scattered Mongolian yurts, along with wisps of smoke rising from them, herds of sheep returning from pasture, and the sunset painting the clouds red on the horizon. All these showcase the charm and magic of the grasslands.

"The east produces statesmen, the west produces warriors, and Jiangnan produces scholars."

Strong men riding sturdy horses galloping freely across the vast grasslands. Their skilled posture and swift speed truly reflect the nomadic people who conquered the land on horseback.

Departing at five in the morning, two trucks sped along the way, finally reaching the pastoral area at sunset.

At the moment, no one felt the fatigue of the journey, for the scenery along the way was overwhelmingly beautiful.

Unlike the surging sea and the gentle water villages of Jiangnan, the grasslands have conquered people worldwide with their unique charm.

Upon reaching the pastoral district, Zhao Dashan led Zhang Guoqing and others to a yurt where they found their good friend Zamu.

The warm and hospitable middle-aged Zamu grandly received the group with local customs and etiquette. Fortunately, Zhao Dashan had specially guided everyone’s manners beforehand, so they didn’t end up being impolite.

The two trucks continued on towards the military horse farm under Zhao Dashan’s lead, while Zamu’s house welcomed many people from the Mongolian robe clan coming to watch the excitement.

Upon hearing that Zhang Guoqing and others were bringing their children to enjoy the grasslands, locals came to see them. The friendly and proud elders enthusiastically introduced nearby attractions and shared legends about their tribe.

Zamu’s little daughter was beside them translating, though in her excitement she sometimes mixed in some Mongolian. Her cheerful and open laughter broke the ice for everyone.

The dinner feast consisted of hand-grabbed mutton, lamb rib soup, pies, and horse milk wine. Such a sumptuous meal made everyone reluctant to leave.

As night fell, they looked up at the stars in the sky, a gentle breeze brushing past, ears filled with local ballads, and in the distance, the sounds of sheep, cattle, and horses.

The scenery in the pastoral district was beautiful tonight, and the people were even more beautiful. It was so stunning that it broadened one’s heart and made them forget the mundane world.

The next morning, everyone rose early, had breakfast, and followed Uncle Zamu, herding a group of cattle and sheep to a nearby lake.

Along the way, from Uncle Zamu’s mouth, they learned that they had arrived a few days late; the grand horse racing festival on the grasslands had just ended, much to their regret.

Zhang Guoqing, holding his son, listened about the horse racing being a material exchange fair, where herders pitched dense tents to exchange their produced meats, butter, lake salt, cordyceps, and fritillary, buying the necessary goods for a whole year’s production and living needs.

He was quite surprised, never expecting there to be a market here.

After Uncle Zamu’s explanation, everyone understood that aside from the material exchange during the horse races, for other times, they had to go to the supply and marketing cooperative in town for purchases.

Zhou Jiao winked at Zhang Guoqing. Now that management is lax, it’s a good opportunity to check out the town.

Before the couple could agree, Zhang Yuntao and the others were already eagerly asking Uncle Zamu, planning to take homemade goods back.

Zhang Guoqing, listening to their conversation, set Ping’an down to pick wildflowers. He picked a bouquet himself and wove it into a wreath to place on Zhou Jiao’s head, then took out a camera from his backpack to capture the smiles of his wife and son.

Such a good time shouldn’t be wasted, unlike those fools still discussing food, drink, and trivial matters. As for meat, there’s plenty on the grasslands. Want horse milk wine? There’s plenty as well.

The three of them happily played nearby for over an hour before Li Qinglin noticed the camera and called everyone over.

After taking a family photo of the three, Zhang Guoqing changed the film and finally handed the camera to the others. He then took his wife and son to the meadow to find wild duck eggs.

Zamu watched this group of young people and couldn’t help but feel that he’s grown old; these kids sure know how to have fun.

They do know how to have fun! Zhang Guoqing is a master with endless creativity.

Soon, Zhao Yuanyuan and others figured they needed to follow Zhang Guoqing. Instead of fishing like everyone else, he had already cast a net and caught a full load of fish.

By noon, everyone returned, satisfied, with joy on their faces, following Uncle Zamu back. If not for his reminder that someone would take them horse riding in the afternoon, they would have gone mad and headed deeper into the grasslands.

The thrill of galloping on horseback, Zhang Guoqing knew it well, but the bumpy ride on the Red Date horse gave him a stomachache. The gap between imagination and reality was evident.

Fortunately, his excellent archery skills earned him applause. Seeing the game fallen in the grass ensured his grandfather’s honor remained intact.

Uncle Zamu worried that these young people might inadvertently venture into dangerous areas. Despite the peaceful and safe surroundings, the depths of the grasslands have wolves.

On the third day, Uncle Zamu personally drove them to town. Before they could fully explore, a bus bound for the city took these young people away. He worriedly watched their departing smiling faces. If they were his sons, he’d surely thrash these wild boys.

Zhang Guoqing’s group was unaware of Uncle Zamu’s concerns. Over the week Zhao Dashan came to pick them up, they wished they could explore the entire area.

According to custom, they disembarked, checked into the guesthouse, and hurried to the bathhouse with the bath coupons Zhang Guoqing traded at high price for a good soak.

In recent days, the men could swim in the lake for a while, but Zhou Jiao and Zhao Yuanyuan were pitiful. Now that Ping’an was with Zhang Guoqing and the others, the two girls eagerly ran inside. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

With time on hand, the group sought local delicacies and specialty goods in the city. Unfortunately, nowadays, aside from snacks, they could only order specialty dishes at restaurants.

After a few days, with their money nearly spent, they reluctantly boarded the bus back to town, carrying big bags and small packages.

Uncle Zamu was already anxious. The kids had been gone many days, sending only one telegram, leaving him unaware and worried about any mishaps, unsure how to explain to his old friend.

Finally receiving a second telegram, the troublemaking kids were returning. He waited early at the bus stop, and when he finally saw their figures in the afternoon, he felt like crying.

On the return journey, listening to everyone share the amusing incidents of their trip made Uncle Zamu laugh heartily, admiring the young people.

Seeing some poorly dressed people carrying children and bundles on the roadside, Uncle Zamu felt it necessary for the kids to be more mindful and not just blindly have fun but understand some matters.

From a distance, he quietly informed Zhang Guoqing and others that those behind were refugees recently fleeing from within the pass. They were now seeking tribes to take them in. With the weather not too cold, the fortunate might find refuge, but the unfortunate ones might be sent back to their hometown by the town.

Uncle Zamu’s words brought everyone back to reality from their pleasant days. No one was foolish enough to ask why their tribe wouldn’t take them in.

Everyone tacitly turned to look behind. Watching those supporting each other among the travelers, glances were exchanged, all feeling the gravity of their steps with a heart-wrenching tremor and shock.