1952: Walking through Nantongluo Alley

Time flies by like a fleeting horse, slipping through our fingers. Before we know it, months have passed in the blink of an eye. One day, amidst these seemingly ordinary days, a piece of exciting news shattered the tranquility of the small village like a flash of lightning!

It turns out that those tireless and traveling merchants, through their tireless efforts, have successfully brought the agricultural products of this little-known village to a wider market. Surprisingly, the outside world has shown an unexpectedly strong interest and deep affection for these agricultural products with a strong sense of local flavor.

Suddenly, orders poured in like snowflakes dancing in the sky on a winter day. This previously unknown village welcomed unprecedented business opportunities and reaped a substantial and considerable profit.

As Zhang Yaba tightly grasped the hard-earned fortune, his simple heart remained unmoved by the money. Instead, his first thought was how to use the money to improve the village's long-standing, relatively backward education. He deeply understood that only by ensuring that the children received a high-quality education could the village truly achieve long-term, stable development.

Always determined to act, Zhang the Mute unhesitatingly set out on a journey. He spared no expense, even the most tireless effort, in his quest to invite several highly respected and knowledgeable teachers to this small village to teach the children how to read and write. Meanwhile, Blind Li, despite being blind, did not let himself be idle. His visual impairment prevented him from directly engaging in teaching like a normal person, but this did not deter his passionate heart. So, he resolutely took on the arduous task of overseeing the construction of the school.

Every morning, before daybreak, Blind Li would already be leaning on the cane that had been with him for years, trudging with unsteadiness yet with unwavering determination toward the construction site. Upon reaching his destination, he would stand quietly by, listening intently to the various sounds made by the workers: the thud of hammers hitting wood, the sizzle of saws cutting through lumber, the shouts of people moving materials, and so on. These seemingly ordinary sounds were, for Blind Li, crucial sources of information.

Whenever he noticed a problem or shortcoming, Blind Li would point it out immediately without hesitation, demanding immediate corrections in a serious and unquestionable tone. Sometimes, some workers might not take his advice seriously, wondering what a blind man could possibly know about construction. However, when they saw how Blind Li could always pinpoint the problem and offer reasonable and effective suggestions for improvement, they no longer dared to underestimate this disabled but determined man.

And so, thanks to the concerted efforts of Zhang the Mute and Li the Blind, the new school was finally completed on schedule! Stepping into this spacious and bright building, one sees neat and clean classrooms neatly arranged in an orderly fashion. Sunlight streams through large windows, casting dappled shadows on the desks and chairs. The walls, painted a brilliant white, are covered in inspiring quotes and childlike paintings.

At this moment, from those classrooms, the sound of children reciting books flows continuously—some passionate and high-pitched, others gentle and melodious. These clear and pleasant sounds intertwine like a series of beautiful and exquisite music, drifting leisurely over the entire village. They carry the children's thirst and pursuit of knowledge, and also convey a positive and energetic spirit.

As time slowly slipped by and years quietly passed, the children in this brand-new school, like seedlings after a long drought finally receiving a downpour, eagerly absorbed the nourishment and moisture brought by knowledge. They immersed themselves daily in a sea of ​​books, tirelessly exploring unknown mysteries, and grew stronger day by day.

Back then, this small mountain village was impoverished and isolated, lacking not only economic resources but also a rich cultural atmosphere. However, today, things are completely different. Under the influence of this newly built school, the entire village has gradually exuded a rich and fragrant cultural atmosphere, like a flower in full bloom in spring, delicate and fragrant.

The villagers' perspectives have also undergone a profound shift, with a growing emphasis on education. In the past, their leisure time conversations were dominated by trivial neighborhood gossip, filled with gossip about the neighbors' affairs. But now, these topics have been replaced by the children's new knowledge and progress in school. After dinner, people excitedly discuss what new and exciting skills their children have recently mastered, or what surprising breakthroughs they have made in a particular subject.

Such changes are like a gentle spring breeze caressing our faces, bringing a touch of warmth and refreshing the heart, leaving us with a sigh: Knowledge possesses such immense and miraculous power! It is like a universal key, unlocking doors to a bright future; like a beacon that never extinguishes, illuminating the path forward.

After years of unremitting efforts and hard work, the once impoverished village has finally transformed into a well-known and prosperous village. Not only has material life been greatly enriched here, but spiritual civilization construction is also in full swing and colorful.

The names of Zhang Yaba and Li Xiazi, like two dazzling stars, are forever engraved on the milestones of the village's development. Their deeds have deeply touched and inspired generations of villagers to forge ahead, strive tirelessly, pursue their dreams, and write a more glorious chapter for this village.

Many years later, the once small village has undergone tremendous changes, becoming increasingly prosperous. Wide, smooth roads now run through the village, and beautiful, new houses are springing up like mushrooms after rain. However, amidst this prosperity, two people are gradually aging: Zhang the Mute and Li the Blind.

Time has mercilessly carved deep and shallow wrinkles into their faces, making their already youthful features appear even more aged. Their bodies are no longer as straight and strong as they were in their youth, but are becoming increasingly stooped. Despite this, their concern for the future development of the village has never diminished.

Finally, on a quiet evening, as the sun slowly sank to the west, painting the sky a brilliant sunset, Zhang the Mute and Li the Blind felt their lives about to die. Upon hearing the news, the villagers dropped their work and hurriedly gathered around them.

By this time, even speaking was a struggle for Zhang the Mute, but he still tried his best to gesture to the crowd. His hands danced, trying to express his most profound thoughts. After much effort, everyone finally understood his meaning: no matter how wealthy and powerful the village became, it must never forget its original aspiration of prioritizing education. Only by emphasizing education and cultivating generations of educated and qualified people could the village truly achieve lasting prosperity and progress.

On the other side, although Blind Li was so weak that he could hardly sit up straight, he still used up his last bit of strength and warned in an extremely weak voice: "You must protect our village school! It is the cradle of the village's future hope..." After saying this, he seemed to have completed the most important mission in his life. He slowly closed his eyes and left the world peacefully.

Seeing Blind Li leave, Zhang the Mute's eyes flickered with sadness. But he quickly regained his composure and continued to emphasize, with gestures, the importance of education for the village's development. Before long, Zhang the Mute, exhausted, followed Blind Li.

The passing of the two elders brought immense grief to the entire village. The people were immersed in grief, unable to let go for a long time. However, to live up to the two elders' earnest wishes before their death, the villagers decided to turn their grief into strength and take concrete actions to fulfill their wishes.

The villagers then spontaneously organized themselves and jointly established a special education fund. This fund will be used to reward children who excel academically, encouraging more children to study hard and strive to leave the village and gain more advanced knowledge and experience in the outside world. At the same time, everyone also worked together to strengthen the maintenance and management of the school, ensuring that every child can receive an education in a good environment.

Over time, thanks to the villagers' unremitting efforts, the village's education sector has flourished. Through their diligence and the support of educational funds, batch after batch of students have successfully entered higher education institutions and ultimately achieved academic success. After graduation, these young people return to their hometowns with great enthusiasm, applying their acquired knowledge to actively contribute to the development of their hometowns. They engage in agricultural technology innovation to increase crop yields, participate in rural tourism development to attract more tourists, and work to improve infrastructure to enhance living conditions in the village.

Today, the village has been completely transformed, completely shedding its former image of poverty, backwardness, and obscurity. As time flies, and as the wheel of time rolls ever forward, this small village has adapted, seizing opportunities and forging ahead, ultimately achieving remarkable economic growth. It now stands like a dazzling pearl, firmly embedded in this vast land, radiating a dazzling and captivating light.

As we slowly entered the village, filled with anticipation and curiosity, the first thing that caught our eye wasn't just the beautiful, brand-new buildings of varying styles. From simple and modern to quaint and elegant, each one resembled a meticulously crafted work of art, exuding a unique charm. Beyond that, the wide, clean, and smooth streets served as the village's lifeblood, connecting every household. The lush greenery lining the streets added a vibrant touch of greenery to the village. As we walked, the breeze caressed our cheeks, bringing with it the refreshing fragrance of flowers and herbs, a refreshing and intoxicating experience.

However, what is most delightful is the rich and profound cultural atmosphere that permeates this place. Whether it's the exquisite murals lining the streets and alleys, the diverse cultural activities spontaneously organized by the villagers, or the magnificent cultural auditorium standing in the village's central square, each one deeply reflects the village's rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit. Being here feels like entering a magnificent palace of culture and art, surrounded by endless knowledge and wisdom, leaving one reluctant to leave.

Whenever people have free time, they gather in groups of three or five. Some sit under a large tree, leisurely chatting about family matters; others head to the cultural auditorium to enjoy a spectacular performance; and still others, full of youthful energy and vitality, paint with their brushes, freely unleashing their creativity and inspiration on the walls... Here, everyone can find their own joy and fulfillment. This once humble village has blossomed with new splendor, becoming a beautiful home longed for by countless people. Whenever they gather together, they can't help but recall the earnest teachings of Zhang the Mute and Li the Blind during those difficult times. Despite their physical disabilities, their hearts were filled with wisdom and kindness. Their simple yet thought-provoking words flowed like warm springs, gently touching everyone's hearts, ensuring a positive and optimistic outlook in the face of life's difficulties and challenges.

It is thanks to the dedicated efforts and guidance of these two venerable elders that the village, after weathering storms, has embarked on this path of prosperity, filled with boundless hope. Every year, as the school year begins, the entire village becomes particularly solemn and dignified. Every household spontaneously organizes and pays respects at the memorial hall dedicated to Zhang the Mute and Li the Blind in the village.

At the same time, the legend of this village spread like wildfire, crossing thousands of mountains and rivers and reaching all corners of the country. More and more tourists from all corners of the country were attracted by its unique charm and came to visit, learn and seek the true meaning of the village.

It's worth noting that the children in the village have lived up to the high expectations of their elders. Through their tireless efforts and dedication, they have achieved outstanding results in their respective fields. Some have grown up to become outstanding scientists, dedicating themselves to agricultural science and technology innovation research; others have chosen to pursue careers in education, passing on the torch of knowledge to younger generations.

Driven by these exceptional individuals, the village has steadily advanced along the right track, constantly radiating new vitality and vigor. The selfless dedication and caring spirit of Zhang Yaba and Li Xiazi have taken root in the hearts of every villager, becoming the village's most precious and enduring spiritual treasure, inspiring future generations to forge ahead and forge ahead.