When the official appointment document arrived at his home, the glutinous rice cakes made by his mother had ju…
When the official appointment document arrived at his home, the glutinous rice cakes made by his mother had just come out of the pot. The county magistrate came to congratulate him with neighbors, and everyone was overjoyed, beating gongs and drums.
Hong Yu stared blankly at the bustling crowd. It wasn't until the official document sealed with a red stamp was placed in his hand that he felt the overwhelming weight of fate.
"Celestial Spring Station, where's that?" "Ah, who cares where it is! The Hong family lad is finally making it big! Becoming a high official!" "Don't forget your parents later. It wasn't easy for them to raise you!"
Voices chattered, warm, simple hopes from the villagers. Yet Hong Yu noticed a hint of reluctance in his parents' smiles.
A few days later, under a bright moon and sparse stars, as jackdaws began to stir, Hong Yu walked out of the village path with his luggage on his back. For the last time, he turned to look at the sleeping village and kowtowed three times heavily.
"Yu's first bow, in gratitude to Father and Mother, who endured hardship for half a lifetime, protecting Yu in peace and without worry. May the day come when I return in silken robes, to bow again at your knees."
"Yu's second bow, in gratitude for imperial grace, entrusting me with heavy responsibility, allowing this body to serve the country. May a day come when I achieve merit and leave a name in the annals."
"Yu's third bow..." Hong Yu paused, "...in gratitude to Heaven, for bestowing this great fortune... May this journey be safe and smooth, with wishes fulfilled and goals reached."
"A relay station is where messages are linked, where travelers arrive. May I traverse thousands of miles of mountains and rivers with my feet and cloth shoes, carrying peace for ten thousand years…"
At that time, he did not know that these three bows were like a prophecy, declaring his fate, the world's affairs are fickle, and step by step, she walked toward the opposite end.