〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉8

Chapter 7

The Wedding of Junsheng and Sayun

31

Inside the clinic of the Han Medical Institute in Chikan Community, white light slanted in from outside the window, illuminating the slightly yellow wooden floor of the early morning. The room was filled with the smell of aged herbal medicine; this smell made people feel both rustic and somewhat heavy. As the last patient walked out the door, the courtyard suddenly became quiet, with only the light breeze outside brushing against the bamboo beams, making rustling sounds. Junsheng finished organizing the instruments in the clinic and sat beside the table, looking at the neatly stacked pile of herbs in front of him.

Sayun pushed open the door, holding in her hands a plate of freshly washed fruit, inside which were bright bayberries, oranges, and red grapes. She gently walked over, her footsteps soft, as if she did not want to disturb this silence. She placed the fruit in front of Junsheng, smiled slightly, and spoke in a tone carrying gentle concern:
“Eat some fruit, alright? I was afraid you might get tired of eating the medicinal stewed venison.”

Junsheng slightly raised his head, his eyes smiling as he accepted the fruit, feeling Sayun’s delicate care. He gently put down the prescription in his hand and reached out to take the refreshing plate of fruit.
“It’s alright. The taste of Han medicine feels refreshing and comfortable.”
A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and his eyes carried gratitude.

Sayun sat upright across from him, her gaze gently watching him as she softly replied:
“I personally selected those medicinal ingredients in the harbor market. Don’t underestimate Han medicine—when it comes to nourishing and maintaining health, the methods of regulation in Han medicine are all supported by evidence.”

There was a trace of pride in her tone, but even more was respect for traditional medicine.

Junsheng smiled and nodded slightly.
“Of course I have some understanding of that. Han medicine and modern Western medicine each have their own strengths.”

He paused for a moment, and his gaze unconsciously softened somewhat. His tone was filled with understanding and respect.

Sayun lowered her head and looked at the fruit on the table, as if organizing her thoughts. After a while, she raised her head. Her gaze was somewhat hesitant, carrying somewhat complex emotions.

“Junsheng, yesterday at my home, when my sena forced you to make a decision, actually my feelings at that time were quite conflicted. On one hand, I did not want you to be in such an embarrassing situation; on the other hand, I was worried that you might really leave Chikan…”

Her voice trembled slightly as she recalled that moment of struggle.

Junsheng sensed the uneasiness in her tone, and his heart stirred. He reached out and gently grasped her wrist, pulling her gently into his embrace and letting her lean against his shoulder. Sayun was slightly surprised, then relaxed, her cheek lightly resting against his chest.

Junsheng said in a low voice:
“Humans are not plants or trees—how could we be without feeling or emotion? Although that night I was sick and muddle-headed, when your body pressed close to mine to keep me warm, I completely understood your feelings for me.”

He raised his hand and gently stroked her hair, his tone low and affectionate.

“Since you were not worried about the possible consequences, how could I leave you behind?”

Upon hearing this, Sayun’s heart trembled. She lifted her head and looked at Junsheng, her eyes moist, carrying a deep gaze full of affection. She slightly parted her lips, wanting to say something but unable to speak. In the end she only softly uttered one word:

“Junsheng…”

Junsheng gazed deeply into her eyes. His tone was firm yet gentle.

“To be able to become husband and wife with you is something I truly cherish, Sayun.”

He lowered his head and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. That kiss carried deep emotion, as if he wished to convey all of his thoughts to her.

Feeling that warmth, Sayun’s cheeks flushed slightly, and her heart softened. She gently closed her eyes, feeling the calm and comfort of that moment. The two quietly leaned against each other like this, and the air around them also became warmer. Time seemed to stop flowing in that moment.

32

On the square in front of the assembly hall of Chikan Community, night gradually descended, and starlight and lamplight intertwined to form a warm scene. The entire square was decorated with lanterns and ornaments. Colorful lights swayed gently in the breeze, illuminating the surrounding bamboo beams and earthen walls. The atmosphere was both lively and carried a hint of mysterious festivity.

Colorful flower petals were spread across the ground. Wooden benches formed a circle around the area, and villagers gathered there, awaiting tonight’s wedding.

Dabongya stood beside Sayun, carefully arranging her headdress, her fingers gently adjusting each ornament in her hair. A warm smile was on her face.

Ali was busy helping Junsheng hang up the bamboo carrying chair. That simple chair seemed somewhat old, yet at this moment it appeared especially important, symbolizing the new life that was about to begin.

The villagers around them began whispering, their eyes filled with curiosity and blessings.

Not far away, Kali stood alone in a corner of the square, holding a bamboo tube. His lips were tightly pressed together, and occasionally he lowered his head to drink a mouthful of dull wine. Whenever he raised his head, his gaze would unconsciously turn toward Sayun and Junsheng in the center of the square.

Watching their smiles, a faint trace of gloom flashed in Kali’s eyes. He slightly furrowed his brows, seemingly dissatisfied with such a situation.

As the ceremony proceeded, Dabongya held Sayun’s hand and slowly walked toward Junsheng. Her steps were steady and calm, as if offering her daughter a final blessing.

When she placed Sayun’s hand into Junsheng’s, her eyes were filled with deep affection and expectation.

Junsheng gently held Sayun’s hand. His eyes were full of tenderness. He lowered his head and gave Sayun a slight smile. In that smile seemed to be hidden countless emotions and promises for the future.

At that moment, the master of ceremonies of the evening—Elder Bawu—wearing traditional ceremonial clothing, walked to the raw-wood platform in the center of the square. He raised the wooden staff in his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

Then he spoke in a steady voice:

“Brothers, sisters, elders, and villagers. The wedding taking place tonight—the bride is the daughter of Chief Dabongya, a Han medical practitioner skilled in herbal medicine. The groom is Doctor Junsheng, who is stationed in our community to provide medical treatment. He comes from the West.

The two of them share the same interests and specialties. By becoming husband and wife, they will support one another in the future and bring benefit to the villagers.

Tonight, let us together offer our blessings to this newly married couple and share in their joy…”

As Elder Bawu finished speaking, the villagers around them erupted into enthusiastic applause.

Junsheng smiled and gently lifted Sayun onto his back, carrying her as he walked around the square once. The hem of Sayun’s dress fluttered in the air, and her headdress sparkled under the lights. As they walked together, the villagers picked up flower petals from their hands and scattered them over the couple.

The petals fell like a rainbow, creating a beautiful and dreamlike atmosphere.

At this moment, everyone in the square witnessed this couple—this couple carrying hope and blessings upon them—stepping into the hall of marriage.

Kali stood in a distant corner, silently watching their backs. The bamboo tube in his hand gently swayed along with his slightly trembling fingers. The bitterness of alcohol seeped into his throat, yet it could not suppress the pain in his heart.

Every time he saw Sayun together with Junsheng, his heart felt as if something were fiercely gripping it, leaving him unable to breathe.

At the same time, Lalu leaned against the bamboo window at home. Her hands gently touched the window frame, and her eyes looked through the gap in the window toward the direction of the square.

The noisy sounds from the square drifted through the window. The rhythm of gongs and drums and the melodious bamboo flute echoed in her ears.

Lalu’s gaze was dim and lifeless, and tears filled her eyes, flowing silently. Her emotions were struggling and conflicted. The uncontrollable feelings surged into her heart like ocean waves, yet there was nowhere to release them.

She lowered her head and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. Her gaze once again turned toward the prosperous celebration, silently asking herself in her heart:

How should such emotions be released?

33

In the faint light of early morning, in front of the Han Medical Institute of Chikan Community, the creaking sound of an ox cart could be heard.

Ali led a sturdy black old ox, which slowly walked forward, its hooves echoing on the stone road. The air carried a faint scent of damp soil, and the leaves of distant trees gently swayed as the breeze brought a strand of fresh air.

Ali rolled up his sleeves, revealing strong arms, and walked to the back of the ox cart, beginning to move wooden boxes and bamboo baskets. His movements were skilled and quick. Dalai also joined in to help, and the two worked together in silent coordination to load the items onto the cart.

The wheels of the ox cart made a faint grinding sound against the ground, and as they worked, the cart gradually filled with luggage and medicinal materials.

Not far away beneath the shade of a tree, Kali, dressed in simple clothing, stood quietly watching everything. His hands were in his pockets, and his eyes were filled with complex emotions.

Whenever his gaze fell upon Sayun and Junsheng, the corner of his mouth unconsciously tightened, and a trace of helplessness faintly flashed in his eyes.

Dabongya walked to Sayun’s side and gently held her hand. On her face was the loving admonition of a mother.

“Sayun, this trip that you and Junsheng are taking to practice medicine is an act of accumulating virtue and doing good. As husband and wife, you must support each other. Junsheng has a good temper, but you cannot expect him to accommodate you in everything.”

Sayun lowered her head and smiled slightly. Then she lifted her head and looked into her mother’s eyes, speaking seriously:

“I know, sena. I will treat Junsheng well.”

Li Qinghua stood beside them and added in a gentle tone:

“Your sena is right. As husband and wife, everything should be discussed together. You cannot rely on one side alone or simply give in to the other.”

Dabongya looked at Sayun with eyes filled with a mother’s worried love.

“Before, when I wanted you to stay at home and properly learn cooking and sewing from me, you always said you were not interested in those things. In life there is nothing very significant—nothing more than food and clothing. Now you have suddenly formed a family, and I worry that you know nothing, and Junsheng will inevitably have to suffer along with you.”

Sayun could not help but laugh mischievously. She held her mother’s face and said playfully:

“Sena, Junsheng has only just become your son-in-law, and you are already worrying that I cannot take good care of him?”

Dabongya raised her eyebrows slightly, her eyes carrying a hint of helplessness.

“No one knows a daughter better than her mother. Of course sena has to worry! With your careless personality, if Junsheng does not mind you, I would find it unbelievable.”

Sayun puffed up her cheeks and gently twisted her waist, asking somewhat coquettishly:

“The food I cook doesn’t seem that terrible, right? Dalai, don’t you think so?”

Dalai could not help but laugh. He patted the bamboo basket in his hand and answered with a deliberately serious tone:

“Yes! But honestly, it really isn’t very tasty…”

There was a trace of mischief in his eyes, and such a tone instantly made the atmosphere much more relaxed.

Sayun immediately placed her hands on her hips and glared at Dalai, pretending to be angry.

“Dalai!”

Dalai spread his hands, wearing an innocent expression.

“Sis, you were the one who asked me. I just told the truth!”

He pretended to be naïve, but the smile at the corner of his eyes betrayed him.

Ali walked over and patted Sayun’s shoulder, reminding her:

“Alright, Sayun. Everything has been loaded onto the ox cart. We should set off now.”

There was a trace of impatience in his tone, clearly eager to depart.

Sayun turned around and hugged each member of her family one by one. There was a smile on her face, yet a faint reluctance could be seen.

She gently hugged her mother and whispered:

“Sena, I will take care of myself. Don’t worry.”

Then she said farewell to Li Qinghua and Dalai as well. Her eyes were full of gratitude and attachment.

Junsheng stood beside her, supporting her gently.

“Let’s go.”

He carefully helped her onto the ox cart, then sat beside her, gently holding her hand with a warm smile on his face.

At that moment, Ali pointed toward the shade of a tree not far away and softly reminded Junsheng:

“Junsheng, do you see? Kali has come to see you off.”

Junsheng turned his head to look and nodded slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.

“I noticed him earlier. But why doesn’t he come over?”

Ali shrugged and said helplessly:

“Maybe Kali just can’t bring himself to come over.”

Kali stood beneath the tree’s shade, his gaze fixed into the distance. Suddenly he raised his hand and waved toward the ox cart.

Junsheng and Sayun waved back in response, their eyes filled with gratitude and farewell.

Then Kali took out a horn and gently blew a series of notes of varying lengths. The sound waves spread with the wind, carrying deep blessings. Those notes rippled through the air, like blessings and like a farewell.

Ali turned around and explained to Junsheng with a smile:

“Kali says you should take care of yourselves and have a safe journey.”

Junsheng stood up, bowed deeply, and then shouted in a loud voice:

“Kali, thank you for your blessing!”

His tone carried sincerity and gratitude, like a warm current in the heart, warming everyone who heard it.

34

At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the horizon red, and golden light spread across the land. The ox cart slowly drove into the citizens’ square of Xinkang Community. The trees along the road gently swayed in the breeze, making rustling sounds.

In the square, several colored lanterns were scattered as decorations, as if embracing the warmth of this land. The community members gathered around, supporting the elderly and bringing along the young. Their faces were filled with smiles of expectation and joy, and the air seemed full of enthusiasm and welcome.

Elisa and several elders stood in the center of the square, their expressions serious yet full of warmth. When the ox cart drove in, she walked forward briskly to greet them, smiling as she opened her arms and warmly embraced Junsheng.

“Doctor, you have come from afar. On behalf of the people of Xinkang Community, I welcome you.”

Her tone was friendly, yet carried a trace of respect.

Junsheng slightly bent his body and returned the embrace, feeling Elisa’s warmth. He responded sincerely:

“Chief, you and the people of your community have welcomed me with such a grand reception, which makes me feel that this journey carries great responsibility.”

He could not help raising his head to look at the enthusiastic crowd in the square, and a deep sense of responsibility arose in his heart.

Elisa smiled, released Junsheng, and said with a slightly teasing tone:

“It is only right. Doctor, while practicing medicine in Chikan Community, your superb medical skills have already spread widely, and you have even won the heart of a beautiful lady. It can truly be said that the reputation is well deserved!”

She gently patted Junsheng’s shoulder, and a playful light flashed in her eyes.

Beside her, the elder Luban smiled slightly and slowly stepped forward. His tone was steady and full of respect.

“Doctor is indeed a modest gentleman. Not only do you possess medical skill, but also medical virtue. Your coming to our Xinkang Community to treat patients is truly a blessing for our people.”

His tone revealed respect toward Junsheng.

Junsheng wore a humble smile on his face. Lowering his head slightly, he cupped his hands politely and said:

“Elder, you praise me too much. I merely do my best to serve everyone.”

He felt grateful in his heart, but also understood clearly that the responsibility of this trip was great.

Elisa nodded, then turned to a young man behind her and said with a smile:

“I have already ordered that a reception house be prepared for the three of you. Amanda will take care of your food and daily needs. If you have any requests, simply instruct him at any time and he will make arrangements.”

After speaking, she waved toward Amanda.

Amanda immediately stepped forward. His posture was upright and his expression friendly. He smiled and gave Junsheng a deep bow, speaking with humility and firmness:

“Doctor, Amanda is always ready to serve at your command.”

He extended his hand and shook hands with Junsheng, feeling the warmth and sincerity of the other’s palm.

Junsheng smiled slightly and grasped his hand, saying gratefully:

“Amanda, thank you.”

Amanda nodded, then pointed toward the reception house ahead and said kindly:

“From now on, the reception house will be your consultation place. Doctor, please follow me.”

As he spoke, he turned around and walked forward with an elegant pace.

Elisa immediately led Junsheng and the others to follow, guiding them toward the reception house in a relaxed yet orderly manner. Her steps were steady and strong. She turned back and smiled at the elders and community members behind them, as if conveying a silent encouragement and welcome.

The elders followed slowly, and the community members also stood up one after another, warmly seeing off this group of honored guests.

The breeze that came toward them carried the scent of soil and sea wind, making the entire community appear more lively and vibrant.

Junsheng followed Amanda along a small path. The flowers and plants on both sides swayed in the evening wind. The entire process felt like a warm and enthusiastic welcoming ceremony, making one inevitably feel the sincerity and enthusiasm of the people of Xinkang Community.

35

Inside the hall of the reception house, sunlight streamed through the windows, and the gentle light shone upon the wooden floor, giving off a warm atmosphere. Several pots of fresh flowers were placed on the table, and the air was filled with the fragrance of freshly evaporated cooked rice and the freshness of plants.

Amanda and his younger sister Meifu each carried two bamboo baskets and walked into the hall. The baskets were filled with colorful fresh ingredients, giving off an enticing aroma.

Seeing the ingredients, Ali could not help swallowing and joked with a smile:

“Amanda, tonight I will have good fortune for my mouth.”

He stretched his neck to look at the bamboo baskets, and a trace of anticipation flashed in his eyes.

Amanda smiled in response, his fingers gently touching the edge of the bamboo basket as he answered casually:

“Ali, I brought my sister Meifu along. She is the culinary expert of our community!”

His tone was full of confidence, clearly trusting his sister’s cooking skills.

Meifu gently swung the bamboo basket and spoke with a smile:

“Brother Ali, my brother simply doesn’t want me to sit idle!”

Her tone carried a trace of playfulness, and her eyebrows curved into a beautiful arc.

Ali laughed loudly and lightly patted her shoulder.

“I had already heard about it. Your sister Meifu’s cooking skills are famous far and wide.”

He deliberately used an exaggerated tone, which made Meifu laugh as well.

Junsheng slightly raised his head and looked at the table full of ingredients, speaking calmly and sincerely:

“Ali, regarding food and drink, I have actually never been picky. Whether it is delicious or not seems to make little difference to me—you know that.”

His tone carried a trace of self-mockery, yet his eyes revealed gratitude for the enthusiasm at the moment.

Ali shook his head with a smile and deliberately stirred the conversation:

“Junsheng, if you say that, Sister-in-law Sayun will be angry.”

He raised his eyebrows, his tone slightly teasing.

Sayun heard this and smiled lightly, waving her hand.

“No, Ali. Regarding food and drink, I truly have never studied it carefully. Fortunately, Junsheng is very tolerant of me. I have never heard him complain.”

Her voice was gentle and calm. She seemed not to mind this matter much, yet her eyes revealed gratitude and tenderness toward Junsheng.

Amanda smiled slightly, his eyes full of curiosity.

“I heard that in Chikan Community, sister-in-law is quite a good female Han physician. This is probably called each person having their own preference, right?”

There was a trace of playfulness in his tone, yet it was clear that he held respect for Sayun’s identity and abilities.

Meifu smiled lightly and shook her head, indicating that she would no longer join the conversation.

“You all continue chatting. I will go to the kitchen to prepare dinner.”

Her tone was brisk, and she turned and walked toward the kitchen with light steps.

Ali quickly stood up and followed her toward the kitchen, joking as he said:

“I’ll help you, Meifu.”

As he spoke, he shook his head, appearing somewhat helpless.

Meifu turned her head back and laughed softly, her face filled with determination.

“You just bring the ingredients inside for me. I am used to cooking alone.”

Her tone was gentle, yet carried a sense of insistence. It was clear that she had her own way of cooking and did not allow others to interfere.

Ali shrugged helplessly, placed the bamboo baskets at the kitchen door, and turned back toward the living room, walking while giving a bitter smile.

“I was driven out by Meifu.”

Hearing this, Amanda laughed softly and spoke with a tone carrying gentleness and understanding.

“My sister’s temper is just like that. Don’t argue with her.”

She smiled and lightly patted Ali’s shoulder, and a trace of affection flashed in her eyes.

Sayun quietly watched the scene before her and softly said:

“Ali, while we still have some time before dinner, help me move the medicines and instruments down from the ox cart.”

Her tone was gentle, yet carried a firmness that did not allow refusal.

After hearing this, Ali immediately nodded.

“I understand, sister-in-law.”

He patted his chest with his hand, his tone carrying some confidence.

Seeing this, Amanda also followed along and said gently:

“I will help as well.”

His tone was relaxed, yet he appeared quite responsible.

Sayun smiled and nodded in thanks for their help, reminding them:

“Move carefully, so that the medicine bottles will not break.”

Her tone was calm, but her eyes never left those precious medicine bottles, showing particular caution.

Ali and Amanda glanced at each other, then carefully began moving the wooden boxes down from the ox cart. Every time they moved something, Sayun’s gaze followed closely behind, carefully observing each of their movements.

The wooden boxes were placed one after another into the corner of the living room. The floor echoed faintly with the soft sound of the boxes touching the ground.

Everything seemed unusually quiet. Only the sound of the wind lightly brushing the windows brought a trace of coolness.