Chapter 13: Annies Trip to Alishan

74

Gesang (Tang Huaimin) and Annie appeared in the arrivals hall of Taoyuan International Airport. Tang Aiyu waved to them.

“Little sister, how long have you been waiting?”

“Only half an hour. This must be my future sister-in-law, right?”

Tang Aiyu stared at Annie. Smiling, Annie took a necklace of dzi beads from her coat pocket.

Huaimin said, “This is my younger sister, Tang Aiyu.”

Annie said, “I picked this out in Lhasa. Its a little gift for you to welcome you.”

Tang Aiyu exclaimed happily, “Dzi beads! They must have cost quite a bit, right?”

Annie helped Aiyu put on the necklace.

Tang Aiyu said, “Thank you, sister-in-law. The car is outside. Shall we go?”

Thoughtfully, Aiyu helped Annie carry her luggage. The three of them went to the entrance and found the sedan.

Tang Aiyu said, “Big brother, Ive taken really good care of your beloved car.”

Huaimin nodded with a smile, lifted the trunk lid, and put his and Annies luggage inside.

The three got into the car. Tang Aiyu sat in the back with Annie, while Tang Huaimin drove. The sedan slowly left the airport access road and entered the highway.

75

A sedan traveled along the Alishan Highway. In the height of summer, wildflowers bloomed in brilliant colors on both sides of the mountain road.

Annie lowered the car window and gazed at the scenery outside. A cool breeze brushed her face, while cicadas called from one side of the road and then another.

The sedan wound along the mountain road, passing through the hills. Tea plantations and coffee plantations covered the slopes on both sides. Inside the car, Annies curiosity got the better of her, and she couldnt help asking, “Aiyu, do you grow coffee up here in Alishan too?”

“Yes! The local government has been promoting it heavily in recent years. The market response has been pretty good, and consumers seem to like it. My family also has about one hectare of land planted with coffee, although harvesting and processing it require quite a lot of labor.”

“In the United States, coffee is the drink we consume most often, followed by black tea.”

“Sister-in-law, once you settle down here, youll soon develop a taste for our frost-kissed high-mountain tea.”

Annie smiled. “Frost-kissed high-mountain tea? It sounds so poetic.”

“Its not just the name. It feels that way when you drink it, too. By the way, how long will you and Big Brother be staying this time?”

Huaimin said, “Just a few days. I have to accompany Annie to California. Shes writing her doctoral dissertation, and Ill be her adviser.”

Aiyu looked disappointed. “Oh, I see! I was hoping that since you two were coming home this time, I could finally get a little breathing room.”

“Little sister, I know youve been working hard all along. Youve taken on a lot of the heavy work around the house.”

Aiyu made a face. “At least you know it! Mom and Dad practically treat me like a maid.”

“Then hurry up and find someone to marry so you can move out!”

“Ive certainly thought about it! But the two old folks have me tied down here in the mountains. How am I supposed to find a boyfriend?”

“Come to think of it, I really do owe you an apology as your big brother.”

“Exactly! But Dad lets you go back to Tibet and enjoy yourself, while the two old folks are really playing favorites!”

“My work in Tibet isnt exactly easy either.”

“At least you dont have endless hard labor to do every day like I do.”

“All right! Hang in there for a few more months. Once Annie gets her degree, well come back and stay with the family for a while, so you can take a break.”

“Oh, come on! Just for a while? Youre the one whos going to have to take over Mom and Dads tea and coffee plantations someday!”

“All right, enough complaining. Ill have a serious talk with the two of them. Well find a way to get you out of this miserable situation as soon as possible.”

Aiyu said with satisfaction, “Now thats what a big brother should say!”

Listening to the brother and sister going back and forth, Annie felt too embarrassed to say anything. She could only gaze at them with her almond-shaped eyes wide open.

Annie thought to herself, It seems every family has its own troubles.

76

Tang Huaimins family home was in Dabang Village. It was a single-story house with stone walls and a small courtyard in front. A four-wheel-drive harvesting vehicle and a heavy motorcycle were parked there.

In the living room, Tang Meilan and Losang were sorting coffee beans as they talked.

Meilan said worriedly, “Oh, how could Huaimin fall in love with someone else after only one year in Tibet? If Mengying finds out that our Huaimin has fallen for another woman, shell certainly make a scene!”

Losang said, “The person who ties the knot must be the one to untie it. We shouldnt interfere in this love triangle. If Huaimin has truly fallen for that girl, let him explain everything to Mengying himself. He cant keep two women on the hook and continue leaving things so unclear, can he?”

Meilan said, “Im just worried that Huaimin wont be able to explain himself clearly! That child has never been very calculating...”

Losang said earnestly, “He cant run away from something he has to face. Our son should know in his own heart how to deal with Tang Mengying.”

76

At dusk, a sedan drove into the small courtyard in front of the Tang family home in Dabang Village. The three passengers got out. Hearing the sound of the car, Losang and Tang Meilan came out of the house. When Meilan saw Annies red hair, she stared at her for several seconds.

“Mom and Dad, this is my girlfriend, Annie.”

“What a lovely young woman! Welcome, Annie.”

Tang Meilan stepped forward, embraced Annie, and greeted her with a kiss on each cheek.

Losang asked, “Huaimin, you said in your email that you met Uncle Tenzin in Nagqu?”

“Yes. I met Great-Uncle Tenzin and my cousin Uncle Nyima.”

Losang said with emotion, “For the past twenty years, Ive indeed been the one keeping that manuscript of love poems. Now, at last, its been returned to its rightful owner. Ha! Life really does take unexpected turns!”

Tang Meilan said, “Lets go inside and talk. Come on in.”

Annie followed Gesang and his family into the main room. A cross hung in the center, and a statue of the Virgin Mary stood nearby. The sight gave Annie a feeling of familiarity and comfort.

Tang Huaimin said, “My mothers family is Catholic. My mothers surname is Tang, and I took her surname. My Chinese name is Tang Huaimin.”

“Why dont you chat for a while? Aiyu, come help me in the kitchen.”

Tang Meilan beckoned to Aiyu.

Aiyu said, “All right, Mom. Ill carry Annies luggage into the guest room first, then Ill come help you.”

Tang Meilan turned and went into the kitchen, while Aiyu carried Annies luggage into the guest room.

In the living room, Losang sat with Gesang (Huaimin) and Annie. Losang brewed a pot of tea, and Gesang poured tea into the cups.

Losang said warmly, “Annie, try some of our own high-mountain tea.”

“All right.”

Annie picked up her teacup, brought it close to her nose, and took a sniff. After taking a sip, she said, “Its fragrant and mellow, with a lovely flavor!”

Tang Huaimin said, “This batch of spring tea was roasted this spring.”

Losang said, “Please sit here for a while. Ill go get the manuscript.”

Losang stood up and went into his study.

Annie asked, “Making tea must be hard work, right? Gesang... I mean, Huaimin.”

Huaimin said, “It takes ten pounds of fresh tea leaves to make one pound of finished tea. During the busy season, we often work day and night.”

Losang returned to his seat carrying a wooden box.

“The manuscript is inside.”

Losang opened the lid. Inside was a scroll of parchment, surrounded by several small packets of bamboo charcoal powder.

Losang gestured toward it and said, “Annie, go ahead and pick it up.”

Annie carefully took out the parchment scroll and unrolled it. One love poem after another was written on it in Tibetan script. When she noticed the signature and seal at the end of the scroll, she was overcome with emotion.

Losang said, “This manuscript belongs to your Tsangyang family. Im returning it to you.”

Annies eyes glistened with tears. “Uncle, thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for? From now on, were all family.”

Losang continued, “As it happens, youve arrived just in time for the Life Bean Festival. Wait until the festival is over before you return to the United States.”

“Dad, Aiyu complained to me quite a bit along the way...”

Losang said calmly, “Shes complained to me many times, too, saying Ive tied her down here in the mountains.”

“My sister will eventually get married and move away. Unless Annie and I stay here, you and Mom wont be able to keep up with all the work...”

Losang said, “If we cant keep up, well just hire more people. You and Annie should still return to Tibet. Thats where you can put your knowledge to good use and benefit your fellow people.”

77

More than a dozen dishes filled the large round dining table. They were all specialties of the Tsou people.

Tang Meilan said proudly, “This is a traditional Tsou-style meal. These are dishes you wont easily find outside our community.”

Annie smiled. “Thank you, Auntie.”

Tang Aiyu pointed to the dishes on the table and said, “These are deep-fried stream fish, and those are crispy salted stream shrimp. We use ingredients gathered locally and try to preserve their natural flavors as much as possible.”

Annie said, “I know this one. Its stir-fried wild boar. The first time I came to Taiwan, a friend took me to try it.”

Tang Aiyu pointed to the dishes and said, “This one is a salad of betel palm flowers with maqaw and red prickly ash leaves. That one is tofu mixed with Chinese toon.”

Annie leaned closer to smell the dish and asked curiously, “Maqaw? It has a hint of lemon fragrance.”

Tang Aiyu said, “Maqaw is one of our traditional seasonings. Both maqaw and red prickly ash grow wild.”

Tang Meilan reminded her, “Dont just sit there talking, Annie. Help yourself!”

Huaimin served Annie a bowl of rice and handed it to her.

Annie looked at the bowl and asked, “What is this...?”

Huaimin said, “Its millet and red quinoa rice. Its all natural and highly nutritious.”

Annie picked up a mouthful with her chopsticks, chewed, and said, “Mmm, it tastes really good.”

Tang Aiyu said, “Our family favors natural foods. We eat whatever grows in the mountains.”

Annie said, “People in Tibet are the same, although their diet isnt quite as varied.”

Tang Meilan put a chicken leg in Annies bowl. “This is free-range chicken that we raise ourselves. Give it a try!”

Annie said, “Thank you, Auntie.”

Losang said, “Tomorrow, Huaimin can take you for a walk around the tea and coffee plantations.”

78

Late at night, Tang Huaimin sat in the courtyard, reading the Chinese translation of Tsangyang Gyatsos love poems.

Tang Aiyu brought him a glass of lemon jelly made with the seeds of the ice jelly fig and handed it to him.

“Annie has gone to bed. Big Brother, theres something Id like to talk to you about.”

“You want to talk about Tang Mengying?”

Huaimin picked up the glass of lemon jelly and took two sips.

Aiyu looked serious. “Yes. Im worried about you, Big Brother.”

“What do you want to say?”

“If Sister Mengying finds out that youve fallen for someone else and started seeing a new girlfriend, shell be heartbroken. After all, you two grew up together and have known each other since childhood.”

“Little sister, perhaps you think I shouldnt let Mengying down. But I dont think Im suited to Mengying. She should find a man with a head for business who can eventually take over her fathers hotel business.”

“Big Brother, what youre saying is really cruel to Mengying.”

Aiyu spoke up on Tang Mengyings behalf.

Huaimin fell silent for a moment. His gaze shifted toward the scattered lights of a few houses down the hillside.

“How do you plan to face Mengying? You two have been promised to each other since childhood, and shes always regarded you as her fiancé.”

Aiyus tone was pressing.

Huaimin asked quietly in return, “Little sister, if you were me, would you want to become the Tang familys son-in-law and live that awkward upper-class lifestyle under your father-in-laws watchful eye?”

“I know youre an art student, and I understand your personality. You dont like being ordered around or told what to do. But you know how Sister Mengying has treated you, dont you? Although, over the years, she really has become more and more like a career-driven businesswoman.”

“A career-driven businesswoman! Thats exactly the point. Im not a man with strong business ambitions. If I married Mengying, Id become nothing more than a shadow beside her, a shadow that barely existed. I wouldnt be a real pillar of support for her family or her business.”

“Big Brother, why do you make yourself sound so useless? I think you have a good head for business! If it werent for your flexible marketing strategies and the brand you created to build our reputation, would our familys coffee and tea business have achieved what it has today?”

Huaimin smiled bitterly. “Thats because I wanted our parents to receive a fair return for the twenty years of hard work they put into this family business, instead of being exploited and squeezed by large-scale wholesalers. Thats why I made a special effort to learn about marketing and advertising. But deep down, Im not the kind of businessman who reeks of money and is willing to spend his life chasing wealth and status in a cutthroat business world filled with deceit and intrigue.”

“Youve always been together. Im sure Sister Mengying understands your personality and what you think. Shell certainly be able to understand you.”

Aiyu remained optimistic.

“Little sister, you dont understand. Once I marry Mengying, even if she can accept me as I am for a while, her family environment will eventually lead her and her parents to do everything they can to mold me into someone else. Theyll want me to change completely and become a proper businessman. But I dont want to be turned into a businessman at all. That kind of married life would make me deeply unhappy, and I would only end up ruining the rest of Mengyings life as well.”

Aiyu let out a long sigh. “If thats really how you feel, then you should explain everything to Sister Mengying as soon as possible. I cant bear the thought of you ending up unhappy in your marriage, Big Brother...”

79

Tang Huaimin drove a four-wheel-drive harvesting vehicle, bringing Annie to the entrance of the coffee plantation. Huaimin took her hand and helped her down from the vehicle. The two of them walked into the plantation.

The coffee trees were already covered with clusters of small, green fruits. Annie grasped a branch and leaned closer to examine the fruit with curiosity.

As she studied the plant, Annie said, “Id only ever seen pictures of coffee beans growing on trees. This is the first time Ive been able to observe them so closely. Its fascinating.”

“The coffee beans in this plantation will need more than another month before they reach maturity and harvesting can begin.”

Annie looked up and asked, “Gesang... Huaimin, youve kept all these coffee trees at a height of just over two meters. That must make harvesting easier, right?”

Huaimin smiled. “Youre right! We use organic cultivation methods on our farm. The coffee trees dont grow too quickly, so we dont need to prune the branches and leaves very often. This effectively reduces labor costs and the expenses for pesticides and fertilizers.”

Annie agreed. “Organic farming and toxin-free food seem to have become popular trends over the past ten or twenty years!”

Huaimin explained, “Using pesticides can indeed reduce the visible losses crops suffer from pests and diseases. Chemical fertilizers can also accelerate crop growth, producing larger fruits, more attractive flowers, and denser foliage. But these practices go against the laws of nature.”

Annie opened her eyes wide. “Thats a very interesting way of looking at it!”

“By artificially interfering with the natural processes of crops, farmers may appear to gain greater economic returns, more quickly. In reality, however, they pay a terrible price in the long run.”

Annie smiled. “I understand that! Pesticide residues remain in crops, and toxic substances enter the human body through the food chain, harming consumers health and increasing expenses for medical treatment and care. Chemical fertilizers alter the soils original properties and cause long-term soil contamination.”

Huaimin said with satisfaction, “Exactly. Pesticide residues and soil pollution lead to even greater social costs.”

Annie said, “So your decision to use organic cultivation methods isnt simply about following a popular trend. You clearly understand the meaning and value behind it.”

Huaimin smiled. “Although Im just a farmer, I understand the social responsibility I carry. Actually, these changes have quite a remarkable and difficult history behind them!”

Annie became interested. “Really? Im all ears!”

Huaimin began explaining at length.

“When my parents first took over this tea plantation from my grandparents, they still held on to the old way of thinking. They believed that without pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the growth of tea plants would become difficult to control, seriously affecting the tea harvest and our familys income. My grandparents had repeatedly instilled these ideas in them while they were growing up. And because my parents had indeed witnessed these things with their own eyes, they believed them to be true.”

Annie asked, “Then how did you change your parents established way of thinking?”

“It wasnt me who changed their established way of thinking. Rather, they witnessed the process of organic cultivation with their own eyes, along with the substantial economic benefits that followed. That prompted them to reflect, reconsider, and make changes themselves.”

“Oh? So you werent the one who changed their minds?”

Huaimin laughed. “Ha! I was only just starting elementary school back then. I could barely recognize a few written characters, and the way I spoke was still that of a little child. How could I possibly have influenced them?”

“Ha! When you put it that way, it makes perfect sense.”

Annie laughed too.

“About twenty years ago, when the concept of organic cultivation was just beginning to take root, some young farmers in the village who had received higher education began experimenting with both organic cultivation and ecological farming methods in young tea plantations, with guidance from the local farmers association.

“First, they used organic fertilizers such as soybean meal, soybean residue, and green manure to improve the soil. They planted rye or lupines between the rows of tea plants to cover the soil and prevent weeds from growing. After turning the soil, these plants were incorporated as green manure to replace chemical fertilizers and support the growth of the tea plants.

“Next, they used ecological methods to control pests and diseases. They created environmental conditions that discouraged the breeding of pests and disease-causing organisms while encouraging the reproduction of their natural enemies.

“For example, they planted windbreaks and shade trees around the tea plantations and along exposed steep slopes, including field boundaries, terrace edges, and embankments. This increased vegetation coverage and helped stabilize the soil on steep slopes.

“They even adjusted the layout of entire tea plantations, returning excessively steep slopes and areas prone to soil collapse from tea cultivation to forest. They carried out afforestation to increase ecological diversity and improve the stability of the plantations ground cover.

“Finally, they supplemented these methods with plant-based pesticides that met production standards and were nontoxic, as well as low-toxicity mineral-based pesticides that decomposed easily. These helped suppress pest populations without harming or driving away their natural enemies.”

“Youve just given me a lesson! Huaimin, your professional knowledge is truly extensive. Youre a very knowledgeable farmer.”

Annie smiled.

Huaimin asked, “Annie, you tested me just now. Now its my turn to ask you a question. Do you know what kind of grass is growing beneath your feet? Its soft and smooth, almost like a carpet.”

Annie pouted. “Im not a botanist. How would I know? But Ive seen this kind of grass in my familys garden. It really does feel just as you described—soft and smooth like a carpet.”

“Its called Japanese false pimpernel, also known as water clover. It grows vigorously, can cover other weeds, helps retain moisture in the soil, and beautifies the landscape. Its actually a medicinal herb. It tastes bitter and has cooling properties. It can be used to treat lung diseases and reduce internal heat.

“We Tsou people live in the high-altitude areas of Alishan. The older generations generally know a great deal about medicinal and poisonous plants. Thats because whenever someone becomes ill or suffers physical pain, unless theyve broken a bone, torn a tendon, or have an emergency that requires them to go down into the city for hospital admission and surgery, they usually turn to herbal remedies first.”

Annie agreed. “Yes. Living deep in the mountains certainly requires that kind of knowledge. My grandmother, Drolma, lived in Tibet in her early years, and she had extensive knowledge in this area, too.”

Huaimin smiled. “Half of what I just told you came from the teachings of my elders, and the other half comes from my own life experience. The two complement and confirm each other. Its not that I enjoy showing off how much Ive read.”

Annie said seriously, “Showing off how much youve read? Why would I think that? Your extensive knowledge of nature comes from the environment in which you grew up. You learned through firsthand experience and by being surrounded by it every day. As for showing off book knowledge, Im certainly more qualified than you are, as a doctoral student!”

After Annie finished speaking, the two gazed intently at each other for a few seconds, then shared a knowing laugh.

Huaimin said mysteriously, “The coffee produced in Alishan is every bit as good as imported coffee!”

“Im used to drinking coffee. Ive been drinking famous brands such as Blue Mountain, Mandheling, Nescafé, and Maxwell House since I was little.”

Annie listed them as though reciting a familiar catalog.

Huaimin asked, “Those are all familiar coffee brands on the market, but I dont think youve tried coffee produced in Taiwan yet, have you?”

Annie blinked twice and said mischievously, “Dont treat me like some country bumpkin who lives in the city. The first time I came to Taiwan, I went with some local friends to try authentic Taiwanese coffee. They told me it came from a village with a name that included the word Keng.”

“You mean Gukeng coffee from Yunlin County!”

Annie laughed. “Thats right! Gukeng coffee!”

“Gukeng coffee and our Alishan coffee are both varieties of Arabica. At present, the coffee varieties introduced and cultivated in Taiwan fall mainly into two categories. One is Arabica. The beans produced by this variety are neither bitter nor astringent, and it accounts for about seventy percent of the market. The other variety is called Robusta. The beans produced by these coffee trees have a sour, bitter, and astringent taste. They are generally used in canned and instant three-in-one coffee blends.

“Gukeng coffee belongs to the Arabica variety, which is the main type of coffee bean grown in Taiwan. Taiwans coffee-growing regions currently include Ruisui in Hualien, Huisun in Taitung, Gukeng in Yunlin, Alishan in Chiayi, Dongshan in Tainan, and Sandimen in Pingtung. Annual production is about one hundred metric tons, still less than one-tenth of domestic consumption. As a result, most of Taiwans coffee beans still have to be imported.”

Huaimin described Taiwans coffee varieties, growing regions, and market conditions in great detail, as though he had memorized every fact. Annie listened in astonishment and was deeply impressed.

Annie said playfully, “It looks like Ill have to take you as my teacher, Huaimin.”

“Alishans elevation creates exceptionally favorable climatic conditions. Summers are humid, with afternoon showers nourishing the coffee plantations. Winters are dry, which concentrates the sweetness of the beans. Thats why high-altitude coffee beans are characterized by their high density, fine texture, and especially rich, full-bodied aroma.”

Annie smiled. “After hearing your description, Ill definitely have to give your coffee a proper try.”

Huaimin said proudly, “No problem. Tonight, Ill personally prepare some coffee for you using our own beans. Next, Ill take you for a walk around my familys tea plantation.”

Annie leaned forward with a sweet smile, formed a delicate lotus-finger gesture, and said in an affected, coquettish voice, “Then, my lord, please lead the way!”

Huaimin couldnt help laughing at Annies playful antics.