Clear autumn mountains with lines of blue mist, the new moon sets quietly, the clear water ripples gently. A sandbar of misty rain returns as sails cross, the wind hears lotus words and fragrant snow. Like the tranquility of Qin Lake, like ancient temples learning Buddhist chanting, removing falsehood; Like a clear stream cleansing the heart, preserving truth. Thus, on every night when subtle fragrance fills sleeves, when the ethereal melody plays, climbing alone to gaze upon the world, I always think of her quietness, like a woman not seen in years, though with a thousand faces like pear blossoms, never forgotten. I still remember many years ago in middle school, when I accidentally flipped through a travel magazine, and on one page was drawn by the name Ruqin Lake, finishing the illustrated introductions to scenic spots. In the prime of youth, in a naive season, for the first time, I felt a hazy joyful longing for travel. Years later, the leisure of university life and the desire to seek out seclusion and beauty grew like weeds. So, on a calm evening, I slung my simple luggage over my shoulder and set off on my journey. The train passed through hills and mountains, circled the misty village, crossed the crossing, headed toward the green hills outside the building, and toward the ...... beyond the mist. During my time living at Ruqin Lake, I felt the beauty of nature: autumn waters, a leaf-shaped boat drifting lightly, orchids by the water's edge, rivers and mountains in autumn colors—this is not the kind of mood that refined words and jade can describe. The longing for the tranquility of Ruqin Lake lies in meeting a woman as pure and moist as a lily, as quiet as Qin Lake. Unfortunately, the ferry cannot carry the setting sun, the new clear sky cannot hold back the rain rainbow, fate begins and ends. You understand, and enter the dream; If you don't understand, you lose the fleeting years, savoring the waning moon over the creek bridge. For example, the bridge over Qin Lake connects waterside pavilions and flower paths, and links the isolated island in the lake with the surrounding green mountains. Every three steps stands a pavilion to gaze at the flowers and grieves; every four steps a bridge evokes thoughts of life. Whenever night falls, standing on the bridge, gazing at the moonlight and water's edge, listening to a song of wind blowing sand, holding several fireflies in hand, blowing gently on the lips, they scatter like fireworks. Under the starry sky, fireworks may be lonely, but they do not lie. For fireflies, the starry sky is eternal, but I am always just a bouquet of fireworks beneath the stars. Although Qin Lake has many bridges, I especially favor the Nine-Bend Bridge. The reason is that you can watch the dawn moon over Heavenly Lake. Early in the morning, a gentle breeze enters my sleeves, a cool fragrance quietly drifts by, pond frogs croak in turn, clear streams sing with melodious songs, a few hazy lamps and sparks accompany the morning moon, painting a scene of pure beauty, forgetting both self and things.The Nine-Turn Bridge leads to the heart of the lake. Standing on the bridge, one can chase the reflection of the moon in the water, just like I once chased your heart. But now, on the bridge, there is no longer a pair of eyes I long to see. Strolling on the bridge, the lake ripples widely, as if mirroring the mood of the moon, longing to softly whisper to it: I miss you.
If you come, you understand the serendipity; if you do not, you lose the chance of companionship, savoring the misty flower paths.
Appreciating the flower paths by the lake, one can feel two distinct kinds of charm: one is the refreshing sensation under the misty mountain scenery; the other is the feeling of cherishing under the distant clear sky.
After a light drizzle, the water's edge is shrouded in faint mist, coolly moistening the collar. Walking along the flower path, the scent of wet petals blends with the earthy fragrance of the path, calming the heart like still water. The lakeside paths are flanked by continuous bamboo fences, autumn orchids face you, wisterias lean over the railings, radiating a serene atmosphere of water and wood. Amidst the mist, I only yearn to hold your hand, strolling through this quiet place, understanding your troubles, and sharing your laughter.
The path among the stone forest is full of charm; the beautiful flowers and rare grasses evoke a feeling like the spring breeze along the Yi River. Cherish what you have now, forget what does not belong to you; only with a wide and free heart can one truly find joy. Flowers do not seek an owner, yet their fragrance has a thousand threads. Fate is not about abundance but about precision. In this life, I only wish to find one person, not seeking elegance, only a heart gentle and virtuous, to watch the clear moon and crimson maple together, holding hands until dusk falls.
Longing stays trapped at Lake Ruqin, yet neglects the window of Jiangnan scenery.
The heart, tireless, waits for the return of someone, as dusk drifts in scattered remnants.
