Colorful years

After seeing Wei Wei off, Zhang Cong gazed at his receding figure, a feeling that was hard to describe suddenly welling up in his heart.

Just then, a flood of thoughts rushed in, and he suddenly recalled that unforgettable experience from two years ago—during the 30th anniversary celebration of Xiangxi Prefecture, he had accompanied Teacher Bao Jiajun to explore the glorious achievements of ethnic unity and progress in Xiangxi Prefecture.

That was 1987, a year of extraordinary significance for Xiangxi Prefecture, as it marked the grand celebration of the 30th anniversary of the prefecture's establishment.

In accordance with the relevant regulations established by the state for major celebrations in ethnic minority areas, major central media outlets dispatched reporters to Xiangxi Prefecture to present the magnificent achievements of ethnic unity and progress in this land through detailed reporting.

As a highly influential publication in the industry, *Unity of the Nation* magazine paid close attention to and attached great importance to the publicity and reporting of this prefecture's anniversary celebration. To this end, they specially dispatched Bao Jiajun, the experienced and highly respected editor-in-chief, to Xiangxi Prefecture to conduct interviews.

The Xiangxi Prefecture government also attached great importance to Professor Bao Jiajun's visit. Not only did they arrange a high-performance car specifically for Professor Bao's use to ensure his convenient travel, but they also specially assigned Zhang Cong and Tang Yanli, a popular anchor from the prefecture's television station, to accompany Professor Bao throughout his visit and research.

Such thorough arrangements undoubtedly demonstrate the local government's strong support and high expectations for this interview activity.

For the next month, the three-person interview team traveled day and night to various places in Xiangxi Prefecture.

They successively arrived in Jishou City, Longshan County, Yongshun County, Huayuan County, Luxi County, Guzhang County, and the area that was then still called Dayong County.

Wherever they went, they went deep into the grassroots, had enthusiastic exchanges with the local people, listened to their moving stories of ethnic unity, and witnessed firsthand the tremendous changes brought about by ethnic unity.

This challenging yet rewarding interview journey has become a precious and unforgettable memory in Zhang Cong's life.

Once Professor Bao gets into interview mode, he becomes extremely focused, working with exceptional seriousness and meticulousness. Accompanying Professor Bao on interviews, though tiring, is also full of joy.

They set off before dawn every day, traversing the mountains and rivers of Xiangxi Prefecture, with a tight and intense schedule.

The terrain of Xiangxi Prefecture is complex and varied, with towering mountains and winding rivers, making transportation extremely inconvenient. Sometimes, in order to arrive at the interview location on time, they need to trek through mountains and rivers, walking for several hours on mountain roads.

Although the journey was extremely arduous, all fatigue would instantly disappear whenever I saw the villagers' simple smiles and heard them tell stories of ethnic unity.

In Jishou City, they interviewed an elderly Tujia village chief. The chief, over seventy years old, was in high spirits and his words revealed a deep love for this land.

He recounted to the interview team how he led the villagers to work together and strive for progress when he was young. In that era of scarcity, the Tujia and Han villagers supported each other, jointly resisted natural disasters, and worked together to build their homes.

Today, life in the village has undergone tremendous changes. Every household has built a brand-new house, and the children are able to receive education and learn to read and write.

All of this is inseparable from the powerful force of national unity. The old village chief's words were simple and sincere, deeply moving the interview team.

In Longshan County, they met an elderly Miao woman. Although she was over seventy, she was robust and her eyes shone with wisdom.

She showed the interview team the Miao ethnic costumes she had woven herself, each stitch and thread embodying her deep affection for her people and her commitment to preserving tradition.

The elderly woman said that the Miao and Han people have lived together harmoniously in Longshan County for hundreds of years, respecting and helping each other, and creating a better life together.

She hopes that the younger generation will continue to promote the spirit of national unity, so that this precious asset can be passed down from generation to generation.

In Yongshun County, they visited a school jointly run by Han and Tujia ethnic groups. This school not only imparts cultural knowledge but also emphasizes cultivating students' sense of ethnic unity.

The school has both Han Chinese students and students from ethnic minorities such as the Tujia and Miao.

As they study and live together, their friendships deepen. The interview team witnessed the students playing and interacting together, and felt the harmony and joy brought about by ethnic unity.

In Huayuan County, they interviewed a young artist dedicated to promoting Miao culture. Through his own efforts, this artist has integrated traditional Miao culture with modern art, creating numerous artworks with distinctive ethnic characteristics. His works have not only gained renown domestically but have also reached the international stage, allowing more people to appreciate the charm of Miao culture.

The artist said that national unity is the cornerstone of cultural prosperity. Only when all ethnic groups are united can they create a more brilliant culture together.

In the picturesque Luxi County, there is a unique and charming village inhabited by people from multiple ethnic groups. Despite their different cultural backgrounds and traditions, they live together in close harmony, like one big family.

When the interview team set foot on this land, they were greeted by a bustling and vibrant scene.

The villagers were working together, some with sickles, bending down to harvest the golden crops; others were spreading the freshly harvested grain evenly in the sun to dry, their faces full of the joy of a bountiful harvest.

Here, whether Han or other ethnic minorities, everyone works tirelessly, sharing the bountiful gifts of nature. This spirit of unity and cooperation deeply touched everyone, allowing the interview team to truly experience the boundless warmth and powerful strength that ethnic unity brings.

The interview team then arrived in Guzhang County. There, they had the opportunity to meet several diligent and kind young women who have been working tirelessly year-round in planting, picking, and processing tea. Undeterred by hardship, these women work from dawn till dusk, meticulously caring for every tea tree in the tea garden.

Through their persistent efforts, the "Guzhang Maojian" brand has gradually emerged and successfully entered the ranks of the top ten famous teas in China. Furthermore, the interview team also encountered a grassroots cadre who is dedicated to the cause of ethnic unity.

He gained a deep understanding of the needs of the local people of all ethnic groups, actively explored new paths for economic development, and ultimately paved a brand-new road for the people of the mountain village to escape poverty and achieve prosperity.