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Once a thriving land of 36 kingdoms, wild horses, rising
smoke, swirling Hu dance, fierce Jia drums, solemn Buddhists, and endless
caravans that stretched all the way to Chang'an, the Western Regions have
now been washed by the vast and desolate desert, leaving only broken relay
stations, desolate ancient cities, a few lone camels, glasses of red wine, a
couple of stories of heroes vying for supremacy, and a Qiang flute that
sounded like weeping and lamenting in the distance. However, the magnificent
civilization of the Western Regions still stands quietly between the yellow
sand and blue sky, under the golden leaves of the poplar trees, creating a
breathtaking painting that stuns people into silence.
Yellow sand and desert have become synonymous with the Western Regions,
while desolation and barrenness are used to describe its landscape, and
ferocity and barbarism are used to define its people. But who would have
thought of the prosperity during Zhang Qian's mission to the Western
Regions, the splendor during Princess Zhaoling's journey to marry the
Western Regions, and the harmony during the Wen-Chang marriage alliance a
thousand years ago? Looking back, those were such enchanting and
intoxicating scenes.
The ancient roads have been bustling, quiet, prosperous, and fleeting, but
now they are lively again. Dunhuang prospered after the first grotto was
chiseled out under the setting sun, but it was forgotten once again over
time. When Wang Dao discovered the "Cave of a Thousand Buddhas," it once
again drew the world's attention. The civilization of the Western Regions
has experienced too many setbacks, whether it be human wars or divine
punishment. But it has never been intimidated. It thrives in adversity, and
as long as there is a breath, it will never give up. In the end, it has
survived in adversity, not only as a civilization but also as a spirit.
As you ride your horse across this ancient and sacred land, barren yet
containing everything, don't you feel like you are living under the heavens
and on earth? Don't you want to merge your body into this land?
The civilization of the Western Regions is a part of the brilliant Chinese
civilization, despite enduring countless hardships, even sword and gunfire,
it still stands resplendent.
Only in the Yellow Sand Desert can men's heroism be fully displayed, and
only with golden swords and iron horses can true heroes emerge.
I continue to ride westward, to uncover the brilliance beneath its veil, to
reveal a beautiful myth.
Riding westward, with yellow sand flying high. |
