Chapter Two: The Tang Family on Alishan

1

It was approaching noon when a large motorcycle returned to Dabang Village. The deep rumble of its engine caught the attention of the villagers. They greeted Tang Huaimin as he rode past, and he waved back in acknowledgment. He parked his motorcycle in the courtyard of the Tang family home. The three members of the Tang household had also heard the engine. His father, Dage Losang, and his younger sister, Tang Aiyu, came outside.

Huaimin removed his full-face helmet and walked into the courtyard.

Aiyu asked in surprise, "Brother, what brings you back all of a sudden?"

"I came back to discuss something with Mom and Dad."

"You could at least have called to let us know you were coming." His father grumbled briefly before asking, "What is it you want to discuss with us?"

"Dad, I want to take a trip to Tibet and stay there for a while."

Tang Aiyu asked in bewilderment, "Brother, whats gotten into you? Didnt you say before that you were going to Paris with Sister Mengying to study art?"

Unexpectedly, their father, Losang, suddenly became solemn. He let out a long sigh and said, "Alas! Your grandfathers prediction before he died has finally come true."

The more Aiyu heard, the more confused she became. She asked, "Dad, what prediction did Grandpa leave behind?"

Losang said, "Lets go inside and talk. Little sister, go prepare two or three more dishes."

The three of them entered the living room. Just then, the telephone rang. Tang Meilan picked up the receiver.

"Yayun! Huaimin just got home. Youre coming up to the mountain later, right? Youre most welcome! Its been more than half a year since we last saw each other, my dear sister."

"Look at that! My future mother-in-law is already calling to keep tabs on me!" Aiyu said mischievously before turning and heading into the kitchen.

Huaimin and his father sat down at the long dining table.

Tang Meilan came over and said, "Judging from Yayuns tone on the phone, something seems to have happened between Huaimin and Mengying."

Losang asked, "Did you have a quarrel with Mengying?"

Huaimin nodded and continued, "She cant understand why I suddenly changed my decision."

Tang Meilan asked in confusion, "What decision, Huaimin?"

Huaimin replied, "I want to go to Tibet and stay there for a while."

At that moment, Tang Meilan felt a sudden pang of uneasiness and looked at Losang. Their eyes met, and a brief silence fell between them.

Losang broke the silence. "What is destined to happen must eventually be faced."

Tang Meilan asked curiously, "Huaimin, have you met anyone recently?"

Huaimin replied, "Yesterday, while I was drawing portraits for tourists by the lake, an elderly traveling monk stopped in front of my stall and told me some things."

Losang continued, "What exactly did that monk tell you?"

Huaimin recounted his entire conversation with the monk from the previous day. Losang and Meilan exchanged another meaningful glance.

Losang said, "Alas! Before your grandfather died, he instructed us that if a monk ever came to enlighten you and told you to return to Tibet to live there permanently, we must not stand in your way."

Tang Meilan said, "But, honey, our son just told us that when he goes back, hell meet some princess and then end up with that girl. How are we supposed to explain that to Yayun?"

Losang thought for a moment before replying, "That certainly is a difficult problem! Im descended from the Tibetan people, and Ive spent most of my life studying Tibetan Buddhism and religious philosophy. Tibetans firmly believe in reincarnation. Important religious leaders, such as the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, have always continued through successive reincarnations. I think that monk must have seen something in Huaimin that led him to declare that he is the reincarnation of Songtsen Gampo. Huaimin, what are your own thoughts?"

"Dad, I do want to return to Tibet, but my reason isnt entirely about proving whether the monks words are true. Tibet is the ancestral homeland we share, yet Ive never actually lived in our homeland." Tang Huaimin expressed his thoughts. His reasoning was entirely understandable, and Losang could fully accept it.

Losang said, "Ive only been back to our Tibetan homeland once, with your grandfather. I understand how you feel."

Tang Meilan said anxiously, "Dear, if what that monk said turns out to be true, Mengying certainly wont be able to accept it."

Losang analyzed the situation calmly. "Thats true. But we can also look at it from the opposite perspective. If it turns out later that the monks prediction was wrong, Huaimin will still return to Taiwan and be with Mengying."

Tang Meilan asked nervously, "Huaimin, have you told Mengying about that destined relationship between you and that princess?"

Huaimin shook his head. "I only mentioned that I wanted to return to Tibet. Mengying immediately got angry and started arguing with me. I havent even had a chance to tell her about the rest."

Losang breathed a sigh of relief. "Thats good, then! Lets start by discussing the matter of your return to Tibet and see if we can gain Yayun and Mengyings understanding."

Tang Meilan said worriedly, "It seems thats all we can do for now! If Mengying is stubborn and insists on going to Tibet with Huaimin, we wont have any reasonable grounds to oppose her."

Losang said, "Lets handle this carefully. Our son has just come back from Sun Moon Lake, and he must be hungry. Lets eat first!"

2

Zhao Yayun and her daughter, Tang Mengying, arrived at the Tang family living room. Everyone in the Tang household was present. Huaimin looked at the resentful expression on Mengyings face and could not help feeling somewhat guilty.

Tang Aiyu brought out some bowls of aiyu jelly. Meilan warmly welcomed Yayun and her daughter.

"Yayun, Mengying, have some aiyu jelly to refresh yourselves."

Aiyu scooped two bowls of aiyu jelly and handed them to the mother and daughter.

Zhao Yayun took a couple of sips, then paused and said, "Huaimin left Sun Moon Lake early this morning. Mengying told me that he had met a wandering Tibetan monk. The monk said something to him that suddenly changed his mind. Now he says he wants to return to Tibet for a while instead of accompanying Mengying to Paris to study."

Tang Meilan responded cautiously, "My dear sister, Losang and I just spoke with Huaimin about this. He said it wasnt entirely because of what the monk had told him. Hes actually wanted to return to his ancestral homeland in Tibet for a long time."

"Yayun, my father did leave us instructions before he died. He specifically told us that if Huaimin ever wanted to return to our ancestral homeland in Tibet, we must let him go." Losang also confirmed that this was indeed the case.

Zhao Yayun said, "But this all happened so suddenly that Mengying couldnt help letting her imagination run wild. She thought Huaimin was going to leave her behind. Besides, even if he wants to visit Tibet, theres no need to rush off right now. Why dont they wait until theyve both finished studying in Paris and then go to Tibet together?"

Yayuns reasoning was perfectly sensible. Meilan and Losang turned to look at Huaimin, expecting him to explain the matter himself.

Understanding what they wanted, Huaimin spoke with sincerity.

"Aunt Yayun, Im not going back to Tibet as a tourist. I want to learn some things there, such as Tibetan Buddhist murals and traditional art."

Zhao Yayun sensed that Huaimin had already made up his mind that he had to go. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Why dont you and Mengying get married first, then? That way, Mengying can accompany you to Tibet, and the two of you can look after each other in your daily lives. Sweetheart, Ive come up with this solution for you. Do you agree?"

The deep frown that had been on Tang Mengyings face finally relaxed into a slight smile.

"Of course I agree!"

Huaimin had not expected his future aunt-in-law to seize the opportunity to pressure him into getting married. He suddenly panicked and awkwardly rubbed his forehead.

The two elders of the Tang family noticed his reaction and exchanged anxious glances.

Losang quickly tried to smooth things over.

"Yayun, my wife and I have always appreciated your trust and affection toward Huaimin. We truly take them to heart. However, neither Huaimin nor Mengying has ever been to Tibet. Im concerned that Mengying might have difficulty adjusting to the high-altitude climate and living conditions there."

Zhao Yayun considered Losangs concerns, then looked at Mengying.

"Mengying, Uncle Losang does have a point. Why dont you take some time to think it through? If you decide to accompany Huaimin to Tibet, youll have to endure the hardships and difficulties of living there. You must be prepared to put up with them and not become a burden to Huaimin."

Tang Mengying thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps we should go home and discuss it with Dad first."

Tang Meilan smiled and said, "This is a major decision. You really should discuss it with your husband first."

3

That evening, Tang Aiyu accompanied Tang Mengying on a walk around the performance grounds beside the Kuba (Note 1) in the village.

"Aiyu, do you know why your brother suddenly insists on going to Tibet?"

"Im not sure either. Before my grandfather died, he instructed my brother to return to our ancestral homeland. So when my brother brought up the idea of going back this time, my parents both agreed." Aiyu answered based only on what she knew.

"Yesterday, your brother met a wandering monk from across the strait by the lake at Sun Moon Lake. That monk told him something about being the reincarnation of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and instructed him to return to Tibet."

"I only heard Aunt Yayun and my parents talking about this earlier. I really dont know the details. But I can understand why youre worried, Sister Mengying."

"Actually, I want to go to Tibet with your brother. Im not afraid of enduring hardships there. But I cant just leave my fathers hotel business unattended and let him shoulder all the work by himself. Thats why, when my mother asked me earlier, I said we should discuss it with Dad first. I know Dad wont agree to let me go to Tibet with Huaimin. After all, my younger brother has just started college and cant help with the hotel business. Dad needs me to help him manage and run the hotel." Mengying slowly explained her concerns.

"Our familys situation is much the same as yours. I have to share the work in the coffee plantation and tea garden, as well as all the daily household chores. Originally, because my brother stayed at Sun Moon Lake running his portrait stall to save money for his planned trip to Paris with you to study art, I could only grit my teeth and shoulder all the work myself. Now hes saying he wants to go to Tibet. Its such a long journey, and once the busy farming season comes around, theres no way hell be able to return home to help us. My burden will only become heavier." Tang Aiyu also shared her feelings.

"Our two families have lived together for so many years. You know how I feel about your brother. Ive always believed that one day I would become his wife." Mengying spoke from the heart, with a trace of sadness in her expression.

"Sister Mengying, I understand your feelings for my brother very well. But even my parents have agreed to let him return to Tibet. You should think of this as a test that you and my brother must face together. As the ancients once said, If two hearts are truly devoted to each other for the long haul, what does it matter if they cannot be together every day? Try to look at the bright side. Once you get through this difficult period, the two of you will be able to stay together for the rest of your lives."

Tang Aiyu was considerate and understanding. She knew that what Tang Mengying needed at that moment was emotional encouragement and support.

"Thank you, Aiyu. You really know how to comfort people." As Mengying spoke, tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

4

After listening to his wifes account, Tang Yunfei remained silent for a long moment before saying, "Sweetheart, if you marry into the Tang family now and have to go all the way to Tibet with Huaimin to endure all those hardships, Id rather you stay here at home and continue helping me manage and run the hotel."

"Hey, Mr. Tang! Could you please be a little more considerate with your words? For our daughters happiness, Id rather see her marry Huaimin now and have the young couple go to Tibet together. Mengying simply couldnt bear the thought of leaving you here alone to handle the hotels operations, both inside and out. Thats why she took the initiative to say that we should come back and discuss it with you." Zhao Yayun spoke up on her daughters behalf, explaining what had happened during their discussion at the Tang family home.

After hearing this, Tang Yunfeis initially indifferent expression gradually softened, becoming warm and affectionate.

"At such a critical moment, you still managed to think about your old father. At least all the love Ive given you hasnt been wasted." Tang Yunfei walked over and put his arms around Mengying.

Zhao Yayun asked, "Do you know whats really troubling our daughter, Dad?"

"Of course I do. Mengying is worried that the distance between her and Huaimin will cause their relationship to change. Besides, Huaimin isnt going to Tibet for just a few months before coming back."

"At least youve finally shown some consideration and understood how our daughter feels." Zhao Yayun felt somewhat reassured.

"If something is meant to be yours, no matter how hard someone tries to take it away, it wont disappear. If it isnt meant to be yours, no matter how desperately you try to hold on to it, it wont stay. Sweetheart, if youre willing to stay here and wait for him to return, your father will support you. If you want to go to Paris to study on your own, Ill agree to it even if it means making things harder for myself. But I dont want you following him to some remote, impoverished place where youll have to endure hardship and suffering."

"Dad..." Mengying knew her fathers temperament. As long as he felt that his opinions were being given sufficient respect, he was capable of showing a remarkably open-minded attitude.

"Huaimin is a good kid, but hes just too much of a romantic. You people in the arts all seem to be the same. You dont have your feet on the ground, and you dont understand the pressures of everyday life. To be honest, Huaimin simply isnt cut out for business. Unlike you, Sweetheart, he doesnt know how to socialize and entertain people in the business world or how to run a hotel. Id rather see you marry someone with a business background, someone like Lin Junliang from my sales department..." Tang Yunfei was speaking with considerable feeling and had launched into a lengthy discussion, but Mengying did not wait for him to finish.

Not wanting her father to criticize Huaimin so unfairly and subjectively, Mengying hurriedly interrupted him.

"Dad, what youre saying is unfair to Huaimin. Hes always been a farmers son. The reason he doesnt know how to run a hotel is simply that hes never had the opportunity to learn. You cant just conclude that he has no business sense. He created his own brand and developed an online marketing business, making a real success of his familys coffee and high-mountain tea. Havent we all seen how well hes done? You think I know how to deal with people in the business world and have the ability to help you run the hotel because Ive been by your side, learning from you every day. Back when our family was still living on Alishan, didnt I know nothing beyond picking tea leaves, processing tea, and roasting coffee beans?"

"Sweetheart is absolutely right, Yunfei! I also think your earlier remarks were rather unfair. The Tang family has always been like family to us. More than ten years ago, when you came here to buy land and build your large hotel, you didnt have enough cash on hand and wanted to sell your tea-processing factory and coffee plantation. If my good sister Meilan hadnt taken over those assets and personally guaranteed your bank loan, helping you borrow the money you needed in that emergency, where would you be today? When it comes to being a decent person, you should always remember where your blessings come from and never forget the kindness others have shown you."

Zhao Yayun was displeased by her husbands insensitive remarks. Taking the opportunity, she gave Yunfei a pointed lecture.

Tang Yunfei gave a wry smile.

"You two really are mother and daughter, united in everything! All these years, Ive continued buying the tea and coffee my hotel needs from the Tang family. How can you say Im ungrateful or that I dont remember the kindness others have shown me? Thats really unfair!"