Quick mission: We don't make trouble

After another two days of climbing and trekking, they finally saw the border town of Tubo.

The Tibetan border town was at the foot of the mountain. Although it was called a city, it was not very large and looked more like a small village. Compared with ordinary villages and towns, it only had an additional city gate.

Military flags were flying on the city walls, and soldiers in Tibetan warrior uniforms were patrolling the city gates.

The streets inside the city walls are not wide, there is only one main road, and many houses are built against the mountain.

Outside the city is a surging river.

Looking down from the mountain, one can clearly see the broad river separating the two countries. The border towns on either side offer striking contrasts, each with its own distinct character. The border towns of the Great Zhou evoke a solemn and steady presence, while those of the Great Tubo exude a bold and unrestrained air. Each border town possesses a unique charm, showcasing its own unique characteristics and the essence of frontier life.

This is the stark contrast between the Chu and Han rivers, a stark contrast! On one side lies the border town of Tubo, on the other the border town of the Great Zhou, separated by the raging river, like the dividing line between two worlds. This scene makes one marvel at the wonders of nature and the disparity between human society.

They also saw that there were no boats on the river, only an iron chain bridge.

Wu Di: "Is this the same iron chain bridge?"

She was referring to the famous iron chain bridge in later generations.

Zhu Yingying: "Maybe... yes."

Even from a distance she couldn't be sure.

Wang Xiangdong came over and told Team Leader Yang, "Everyone speed up and try to cross the river today, otherwise we'll have to wait until tomorrow."

So everyone urged the horses, waved the whips, and drove the carriage down the mountain.

Yang Wu explained to Zhu Qingqing and the others, “There is only one cable bridge between these two towns, and it’s very narrow, barely enough for a carriage to pass through, so we can only allow traffic on one side.

In the morning, the Tubo side lets people in, in the afternoon, the Great Zhou side lets people in. At night, the city gates are closed and no one is allowed in. So if you don’t go in this morning, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow morning.”

Zhu Qingqing expressed her understanding.

Now they can see the city wall of the Great Zhou on the other side of the river. Everyone must be eager to go home and rush over.

Come down the mountain.

The caravan stopped at the entrance of the post station. Team leader Yang handed over some goods and merchandise for the Tibetans in the border town to the manager of the post station and waited for people to come and pick them up. He then went to find the city guard officials to stamp the pass.

During this time, he asked Zhu Qingqing if they wanted to go shopping in the market.

Zhu Qingqing said, "There are some here and there are some on the other side, so don't delay everyone from crossing the river."

Team Leader Yang nodded.

Indeed, the Tibetan border town is so small and there is not much to see. The Great Zhou side is more lively than this side.

Of course I wanted to rush over there too.

So before noon, they rushed out of the city gate and stepped onto the iron chain bridge outside the city wall.

The Zhu family all got off the carriage, walked at the end of the caravan, and crossed the bridge on foot.

They want to experience the charm of this natural barrier for themselves.

The iron chain bridge spanned the turbulent river like a giant steel dragon. At each end stood sturdy piers, secured by massive rivets and bolts to thick iron cables. The cables, stretched taut, bore the weight of pedestrians and vehicles.

The bridge is paved with thick wooden planks, which make a thumping sound when you walk on them. When the wind blows, the iron cables make a crisp clattering sound, as if playing an exciting melody.

Standing on the bridge, one can see the river rushing beneath, splashing white waves. The rolling hills in the distance create a striking contrast with the river. The grandeur of the suspension bridge blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a magnificent scene.

Under the sunlight, the suspension bridge gleams with a metallic sheen, appearing even more majestic. It bears witness to the passage of time and carries the hopes and dreams of its people. This suspension bridge is more than just a passage connecting the two banks; it is a testament to human wisdom and courage.

Mr. Zhu sighed, "I don't know how much manpower and material resources were spent to build such a bridge. Our ancestors were truly great."

Mother Zhu: "Yes, we are all enjoying the benefits of the achievements of our predecessors."

Zhu Qingqing held Wu Di's hand tightly, fearing that she would accidentally fall through the gap in the iron chain next to her.

However, Wu Di broke free from her hand, ran forward a few steps, and twisted his butt.

What she meant was that she was not afraid and was very brave.

This seemingly unintentional action caused the cable bridge to shake more violently.

Zhu Yingying was so frightened that she screamed and grabbed Yu Bo's arm tightly, unable to move.

Zhu Qingqing said sternly: "Wu-Di-"

Hearing her mother calling her by her full name, Wu Di knew that her mother was angry and had to stop.

Mother Zhu also said: "Didi, don't run around. Be careful not to fall in. We won't be able to pull you out. Look at this river, it's so turbulent..."

Zhu Yingying: "Exactly. We finally made it to the Great Zhou, and we were just one step away from the final victory. You fell into the river, that would be unfair."

Wu Di made a face at Zhu Yingying, "Aunt, you are too timid. You can't fall down again."

Zhu Yingying: "It's better to be careful."

Wu Di: "Aunt, if you're scared, just ask your uncle to carry you. Uncle, this is your chance to show off."

Yu Bo really wanted to carry Zhu Yingying on his back.

It’s not like he hasn’t memorized it before.

Zhu Yingying pushed him aside and strode forward, proving she wasn't a coward. But after taking just two steps, she stopped because she was swaying.

"Ouch, I feel dizzy."

She hurried to grab the iron chain, but failed to hook it. Yu Bo took a few steps forward and handed her his hand.

Wu Di smiled proudly.

Seeing that my mother was not in a good mood, I quickly took my grandfather's hand and said to him:

"Grandpa, with such a magnificent view, why don't you recite a poem?"

Father Zhu: "The ancestors have immortal poems. No matter how good the later generations are, they can never surpass them. I don't need to show off my ugliness."

Wu Di: "Let me recite a limerick for you:

Iron chains fly across the sky, and a rainbow stretches across the river.

The cable bridge connects the two banks, turning the natural barrier into a thoroughfare.

Father Zhu: “Not very good.”

Wang Xiangdong, who was walking at the end, said something rare:

"The roar of the waves shakes the iron chains, and the strides I take are thrilling and full of courage."

That's more like boosting morale.

Staggeringly, the group crossed the bridge and stood on the territory of Da Zhou.

In the border town of the Great Zhou, military flags fluttered on the city walls, and soldiers wearing armor and holding weapons were patrolling solemnly.

Team leader Yang had already checked the pass with the city gate officer and paid the entrance fee. He waited for them to arrive and led them into the city.

The border towns of the Great Zhou were much larger than those of Tubo.

Inside the city walls, the streets were spacious and clean, and the houses were arranged in an orderly manner. The border town's architecture was unique, blending the characteristics of the Great Zhou Dynasty with those of the frontier. The market within the city was bustling with activity, with merchants busily promoting various goods and buyers bargaining for prices.

Some people in the border town wore the costumes of the Great Zhou, some wore the costumes of Tubo, and some wore the costumes of other ethnic groups.

It made Zhu Qingqing and the others feel like they were in an ancient town in the future.