Settle in Dali

Ten day trip from Yueyang to the south-west, they finally arrived in Dali, the north-western province of Yunnan. They took a trip from Yueyang towards Guiyang, continued to Yunnan and from there they lead to Dali. The path that they passed throught during their journey was made up mountainous terrain. A series of high mountain chains spreaded across the three province, mostly in north-western and north-eastern Yunnan Province.

During the trip in the eastern Yunnan, they passed a series of limestone plateau with karst scenery and unnavigable rivers flowing through deep mountain gorges. And when they passed the western Yunnan, half of it was characterized by mountain ranges and rivers running north and south.

It was a very long and tiring trip for Fang Yan. Eighteen full days they ride a horse from Hangzhou. They arrived in Dali at late afternoon. So… at the time they came to that house, Fang Yan did not pay much attention to their new living situations. He just remembered the time when he and his uncle Ju Long arrived, they greeted by a woman, who summoned as Zhang aunt.

"Welcome home Ju Long… and welcome to you Fang Yan… How do you do… my child? I am your aunt. You can call me aunt Dai Yu."

"Thank you… auntie"

"Ah I know… you two must be very tired, and you must be hungry now… come on… we have provided dinner's inside, let go."

"Indeed" Ju Long answered.

And then, the three of them went into the house. Meals at dinner consisted of grilled chicken, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and some vegetables. After a while they ate roughing meals, the dishes this time was felt so special for both.

After having dinner, Fang Yan was brought by Dai Yu to his new room. Hot bathwater was prepared in there. "This room would become your room… Fang Yan. We hope you like it. Now… take a bath, do not wait until the water be cold. You can find clean clothes there in the drawers in that corner. Just for today, you wear it, and for tomorrow we will buy you a new outfit. Good sleep."

"Good night auntie… and thank you."

That morning the weather was sunny. After breakfast, Fang Yan was invited by his uncle walk. They went around the town on horseback.

Dali really is beautiful. They passed through mountainous streets. There are many high cliffs, verdant valleys and deep ravines. The rivers flowing between the valleys. They also went around Erhai lake not far from their house.

The beauty of Dali different from the beauty which is owned of Hangzhou, Fang Yan thought. Looked around, Fang Yan really felt longing to return to Hangzhou, the land of his birth, where he grew up. But his uncle said that he was now impossible to get back there. Dali was his home now. Dali was one place he would settle down and live for now.

After some time settled in Dali, Xiao Jian realized that Dali society is consisted of several ethnic… a very high level of ethnic diversity… compared to Hangzhou. The majority ethnic there was a Bai Yi. Dali's ethnic diversity is reflected in its linguistic diversity, for majority was Chinese language Bai Yi language.

Xiao Jian also Knew that Dali is the birthplace of tea. Still, ancient tea trees can be found in there of which tealeaves are processed. Tea is becoming an important product for Dali society. So… there are many tea plantations in Dali.

First few weeks, Ju Long always took Fang Yan go around town, was riding to the suburbs, or went to the market. But one night, his uncle asked him to speak.

"Fang Yan… I feel that the introduction of Dali area is enough. So, starting tomorrow, I want to send you to school. Fang families was an educated family, and I do not want you to left behind in this regard."

"Going school… where?" asked Fang Yan.

"There's one in the northern of market. It was the best here in Dali." answer Ju Long. "Fang Yan… there's one more thing I want to say, regarding about your name, for the time being… we should not have used that name's. Not that I want you to forget your past and family, but it is all for your own good this time."

"What do you mean uncle? I really do not understand." asked Fang Yan confusion.

Smiling Ju Long replied "I want to make you be my adopted son, and I will give you a new name. Maybe the name still reminds you of the past, but not Fang Yan. Society does not need to know your real name."

Fang Yan still looked confused, so Ju Long continued: "You know, the Fang family is now an enemy of the government. So you cannot use that name. I tell you this, how about I give you the name of Xiao Jian, Xiao for your family sword, and Jian for your father bamboo flute. What do you think?"

"Xiao Jian… you mean from now on my name is Xiao Jian?"

"Yes… and more precisely Zhang Xiao Jian."

"Alright... uncle."

This was the beginning of Fang Yan new life as Zhang Xiao Jian in Dali. In the morning, he went to school. In the afternoon, he learned martial arts or learned how to ride a horse. For this, Ju Long himself trained him. And at night before bed, Ju Long will ask Jian Xiao to make a calligraphy. And some days when the school off, he was usually invited by his uncle to do some other activities such as making crafts, gardening, picking tea and others.

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