Tranquil Evening at Zhongnan Mountain: A Poetic Journey

Descending Zhongnan Mountain at dusk, the moon seems to follow the traveler. Looking back at the path taken, the mountains appear vast and green in the twilight. Meeting Hu Si, the recluse, and accompanying him to his home, children rush to open the gate. Entering the bamboo grove and walking through the secluded path, vines brush against the traveler’s clothes. Engaging in cheerful conversation and enjoying fine wine, hosts and guests raise their cups. Singing loudly the tune of “Wind in the Pines,” the song ends as the stars in the Milky Way become sparse. Drunk and joyous, they forget the mundane world’s deceitful schemes.

Evening Descent from Zhongnan Mountain

In the twilight, I descended from the verdant Zhongnan Mountain, accompanied by the serene moonlight that seemed to follow my steps. The path I took was a meandering trail through the mountain, now appearing as a ribbon of green against the dusky sky. As I looked back, the sight was mesmerizing; the mountains stretched endlessly, cloaked in the soft, mysterious green of evening.

A Serendipitous Meeting

As I made my way down, I encountered Hu Si, a recluse living in these tranquil mountains. We decided to go to his home together. His home, a humble abode, lay nestled in a small village amidst the fields. As we approached, children greeted us with eager smiles, opening the gate made of intertwined branches.

Into the Heart of Nature

Walking into the bamboo grove, we took a secluded path that seemed to be an enchanted passage. The air was filled with the scent of nature, and the delicate vines brushed softly against our clothes as we walked. It was a scene of pure, untouched beauty, where every step seemed to take us further away from the worldly concerns.

Wine and Song

We settled down in Hu Si’s home, a place that resonated with simplicity and peace. There, we indulged in light-hearted conversation, finding joy in each other’s company. The rustic setting provided a perfect backdrop for our gathering. We raised our cups frequently, savoring the fine wine that added warmth to our laughter and conversations.

The Melodies of Nature

As the night deepened, we began to sing. The song “Wind in the Pines” filled the air, our voices blending with the gentle rustle of the pine trees. The melody carried the essence of the mountains, a harmonious blend of nature and human spirit. By the time we finished, the stars in the Milky Way were few and far between, signaling the lateness of the hour.

A Blissful Escape

The wine had taken its effect; I was drunk, but it was a pleasant, liberating intoxication. Hu Si was equally joyous, his laughter echoing mine. In those moments, we were free from the burdens of the world, the deceit, and the endless pursuit of trivial gains. It was a state of pure, unadulterated joy where we could just be ourselves, away from societal expectations and ambitions.

Reflection on Simplicity

This evening was a profound reminder of the beauty of simplicity and nature. In the hustle and bustle of life, moments like these are rare and precious. They allow us to reconnect with our true selves and with the natural world, finding peace and contentment that is often elusive in our daily lives.

The Timeless Allure of Zhongnan Mountain

Zhongnan Mountain has always been a place of retreat for those seeking solace and inspiration. Its serene landscapes and the quiet life of its inhabitants offer a stark contrast to the chaos of urban existence. It’s no wonder that many scholars and poets, like myself, find refuge here, drawing inspiration from its timeless beauty.

The journey down Zhongnan Mountain was more than just a physical descent; it was a journey into a realm of tranquility and simplicity. It reminded me of the joys of nature and the importance of human connection, free from the pretensions and artifices of the world. This experience, shared with Hu Si, was a testament to the enduring allure of nature and the timeless value of genuine human interactions. In the embrace of Zhongnan Mountain, I found a moment of pure happiness, a fleeting yet unforgettable escape from the mundane into the sublime.