A Mysterious Journey Through the Shang Dynasty

Chapter 2: Adapting to Life in the Shang Dynasty

After spending a few days at the old man's house, my mood gradually calmed down. The morning sun shone through the simple window lattice and sprinkled on my face, bringing a hint of warmth. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at this strange yet gradually familiar environment, with a lot of emotions in my heart. I began to seriously think about how I should survive in this strange Shang Dynasty, and a feeling of both confusion and determination intertwined in my heart.

After breakfast, I decided to go to the market to learn about the prices and commodities of this era. Walking on the busy streets, various hawking sounds came one after another, like an ancient and vibrant symphony. Every stall and every pedestrian was like an open history book, waiting for me to read.

Passing by a stall selling fabrics, the stall owner enthusiastically introduced various fabrics to me. I gently touched the soft silk and rough linen, feeling the difference between them and modern fabrics. The silk was as smooth as flowing water, gleaming delicately in the sun, as if I could touch the luxury of thousands of years ago. I imagined the nobles of the Shang Dynasty wearing silk clothes and chatting and laughing at a grand banquet. The linen had a rustic atmosphere, and its rough texture seemed to contain the sweat of the hard work of the ancients. Seeing that I was interested, the stall owner tried harder to sell it.

"Girl, this silk is top quality. It will be beautiful if you make it into a piece of clothing." The stall owner said with a smile, his eyes full of expectation. I looked at the gorgeous silk and couldn't help but sigh at the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancients. Although I was tempted, I knew that now was not the time to enjoy it. I smiled and shook my head, "Let me take a look first, thank you."

Continuing forward, I saw a stall selling pottery. Those pottery pieces have different shapes, some with exquisite patterns, and some are plain. I thought of the Shang Dynasty pottery I saw in the museum, and I was filled with emotion. At this time, there were some simple bronzes on a stall next to me. Although they were not as exquisite as modern handicrafts, they exuded a heavy historical atmosphere. They have unique shapes. Some are tripods, huge and solemn, as if carrying the majesty of the entire Shang Dynasty; some are jue, small and exquisite. Although the patterns on them are a bit mottled, you can still see the fineness of the production back then. I can't help but imagine how the craftsmen thousands of years ago carefully crafted these bronzes. They may have been used in grand sacrificial ceremonies, witnessing the glory and honor of the Shang Dynasty. My fingers gently brushed over the bronzes, feeling the historical weight they carried, and a sense of awe surged in my heart. The cold metal texture seemed to be telling an ancient story, which made me immersed in it.

At this time, a little boy ran over and accidentally bumped into me. I quickly held him and said, "Be careful, don't run so fast." There was a hint of concern in my voice. The little boy looked at me and smiled innocently, "Sister, I'm sorry." Then he ran away again. Looking at the little boy's back as he walked away, a warm feeling welled up in my heart. Although people in this era live a simple life, they are full of sincerity and kindness. Their smiles are like sunshine, illuminating this ancient world. I seemed to see the scene of myself running and playing in the fields when I was a child, and my heart was filled with nostalgia for the innocent years.

After walking around the market, I had a deeper understanding of life in the Shang Dynasty. Back at my uncle's house, I began to think about what I could do to earn a living. I remembered that I liked to make some handmade jewelry in modern times, so maybe I could try it here.

I found some materials and started to make them. My fingers moved flexibly between the various materials, and my heart was full of expectations. I made each piece of jewelry with my heart, and I hope they can bring some beauty and happiness to the people of this era. I carefully selected the beads and strung them into beautiful bracelets; I carefully bent the metal wires to make exquisite earrings. After some effort, I made a few simple bracelets and earrings. Although they are not as exquisite as modern ones, they also have a unique charm. I looked at my work and felt a sense of accomplishment. These small ornaments are like the flowers of hope that I planted in this strange world.

The next day, I brought my jewelry to the market and found a corner to set up a stall. At first, no one noticed my stall. I was a little nervous, not knowing whether my things could be sold. I was filled with anxiety, as if I was a prisoner waiting for trial. I prayed silently, hoping that someone would find my jewelry. The wind blew gently, blowing my hair, and I felt a little cool, but the tension in my heart became stronger.

After a while, a young woman came over and saw my jewelry. She picked up a bracelet and looked at it carefully. My heartbeat quickened instantly and I looked at her nervously. Her fingers gently stroked the beads on the bracelet, and a hint of love appeared in her eyes.

"This is really beautiful, how much is it?" the woman asked in a clear and pleasant voice.

I was delighted and said, "This is not expensive, just a few shells." My voice trembled a little, I was both excited and nervous.

The woman hesitated for a moment, then took out a few shells and handed them to me, and bought the bracelet. With my first customer, my confidence grew. Gradually, more and more people noticed my stall, and my jewelry began to sell. My heart was filled with joy, like a blooming flower. I knew that I had found a way to survive in this strange world. Seeing people holding my jewelry and showing satisfied smiles, I felt extremely satisfied and happy.

At this time, I saw a group of people gathered not far away, seemingly watching something exciting. I walked over curiously and found that an old man was writing some strange symbols on the ground. I took a closer look and was surprised to find that it was oracle bone inscriptions! Those ancient characters seemed to have a mysterious power that fascinated me. I stood quietly aside, watching the old man write stroke by stroke, as if I saw people thousands of years ago recording their lives and history in this way. My heart was filled with emotion. These oracle bone inscriptions are the crystallization of the wisdom of the ancients. They witnessed the rise and fall of this ancient era. I imagined that I could also learn these characters and use them to record my journey to the Shang Dynasty.

Through my own efforts, I earned some living expenses. Although it is not much, it makes me feel extremely satisfied. I know that I still have a long way to go in this strange Shang Dynasty, but I believe that as long as I persevere, I will be able to adapt to life here. In the evening, I returned to the grandfather's house and gave him the shells I earned today. The grandfather looked at me in surprise, "Child, you are really amazing." The grandfather's eyes were full of admiration.

I smiled and said, "Uncle, this is all you taught me. I want to learn to support myself." My words were full of determination. In this strange world, the uncle's encouragement is my motivation to move forward.

As the days in the Shang Dynasty passed, I gradually adapted to life here. I learned to communicate with the people here and learn to live their way. Although I still longed to return to the modern times, I also began to cherish every day here. Because I knew that this special experience would become the most precious wealth in my life.

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