usatvline Chapter 564 The Whole Family Gathers in Qinglongpo
Chapter 564 The Whole Family Gathers in Qinglongpo
On a sunny weekend morning, the Pei family's car drove along the winding mountain road toward Qinglongpo, intending to give Pei Luonan and Gu Fanxing an unexpected surprise.
Grandma Pei sat in the passenger seat, occasionally leaning out the window and muttering, "Are we almost there? The osmanthus flowers along the mountain road are in full bloom, they smell wonderful. Fanxing said the archaeological site is right next to the kiln site, I really want to see those Song Dynasty pottery shards soon."
"Grandma, we're almost there. The entrance to Qinglongpo is just ahead," Pei Luochuan replied, looking at the GPS location.
As soon as the car entered Qinglongpo, the Pei family was attracted by the scene before them.
The osmanthus trees covering the mountainside are in full bloom, their golden petals drifting in the wind, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. In the distance, the dragon kiln is built against the mountainside, with wisps of smoke rising from its roof.
In the fields by the roadside, villagers were working, their faces adorned with simple, honest smiles.
The wooden gate of the intangible cultural heritage education base is simple and elegant, with a plaque that reads "Qingning Kiln Intangible Cultural Heritage Education Base" hanging at the entrance. The archaeological site not far away is surrounded by a fence, and you can vaguely see the tools and pottery shards neatly arranged inside, exuding a strong cultural atmosphere.
“The environment here is so nice, and the archaeological site is so well organized.” Pei’s mother said with a smile, “When I came last time, the intangible cultural heritage education base was still under construction, and the archaeological site was only initially cleared. Now it looks both professional and charming. Fanxing’s hard work has not been in vain.”
After stopping the car at the village entrance, they headed straight for Gu Fanxing's workplace.
Gu Fanxing wore a light blue cotton and linen dress, her hair was simply tied up, and the celadon ring on her ring finger was particularly eye-catching.
Overjoyed to see the Pei family arrive, she greeted them with a smile: "Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, Luo Chuan, what brings you here?"
"Starry Night, we meet again!"
Grandma Pei quickly stepped forward, took Gu Fanxing's hand, and carefully examined her.
"You look much better than last time; it seems to be the glow of love."
She took out the red cloth bundle from her bag and handed it to Gu Fanxing: "I wanted to give you these silver bracelets last time, and now I'm officially handing them over to you. They are family heirlooms of the Pei family. Please keep them safe."
Gu Fanxing accepted the package with both hands and said softly, "Thank you, Grandma. I will definitely treasure it."
Pei's mother also stepped forward and handed Gu Fanxing an exquisite gift box.
"Stars, this is a gift from your uncle and me. It's a Hetian jade peace buckle, wishing you peace and good fortune. And this set of hand-embroidered cotton and linen bedding. You said last time that you liked the simple and elegant style, so I specially had it made."
She paused, then handed over a canvas bag: "This contains sun protection clothing and moisturizer. You're often busy at archaeological sites, so you must take good care of yourself."
"Thank you, Auntie, thank you, Uncle, you've gone to so much trouble."
Gu Fanxing accepted them one by one, her heart filled with gratitude.
Pei Luochuan, carrying a large box, approached Gu Fanxing and said, "Sister-in-law, this is a gift for you: a set of mini archaeological tool models and this hardcover 'History of Chinese Ceramic Archaeology,' the latest revised edition. Do you like it?"
Gu Fanxing opened the box. Inside were exquisitely crafted small brushes, shovels, and sieves, and the book cover was printed with a Song Dynasty celadon pattern.
Her eyes lit up: "I love it! Thank you, Luo Chuan. I've been looking for this book for a long time. The tool models are also very cute and can be used as decorations in the studio."
"Of course!" Pei Luochuan said with a smile. "Last time I heard you talk about the archaeological process of Qingning Kiln, I thought I'd find you a model as a souvenir. By the way, sister-in-law, can we go to the archaeological site now? I really want to see those Song Dynasty pottery shards and the remains of the artisans' living area with my own eyes."
"Of course!" Gu Fanxing nodded with a smile. "I'll take you after lunch. You can even experience cleaning simple pottery shards, but be careful, as the shards are very precious."
Just then, Aunt Zhang came over carrying a bamboo basket full of freshly baked sesame cakes.
"Try it quickly, it has chopped walnuts and honey added, Fanxing said you guys love it."
The Pei family members took the sesame cakes, took a bite, and found them sweet and delicious, praising them highly.
"Delicious! It tastes much better than the pastries you buy in the city."
The village chief also came over, smiling, and said, "Friends from the Pei family, welcome to Qinglongpo! Lunch is ready, right next to the kiln shed. Please follow me."
The group chatted and laughed as they walked toward the kiln shed. Villagers along the way greeted them warmly and offered them freshly picked fruit. The Pei family felt the simplicity and warmth of Qinglongpo.
At lunchtime, Chen Gongjiang, Lin Xiao, Ling Jiu'er, Kong Haoyu, and Xiao Fangfei also arrived, and everyone sat together, creating a lively atmosphere.
"Friends of the Pei family, I'd like to raise a glass to you all!" The village chief raised his glass. "Thank you all for supporting the preservation of Qingning Kiln's intangible cultural heritage and archaeological work. Congratulations to Luonan and Fanxing on their marriage. I wish them happiness and a fulfilling life together, and may the craftsmanship and archaeological achievements of Qingning Kiln be known to more people."
"cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses, the sweet aroma of rice wine spreading in their mouths, filling them with happiness and satisfaction.
During the meal, Grandma Pei held Gu Fanxing's hand and asked, "Fanxing, isn't working at the archaeological site too tiring? Isn't cleaning pottery shards particularly hard on your eyes?"
Gu Fanxing smiled and shook her head: "Grandma, I don't feel tired at all. On the contrary, I feel very fulfilled. Every time I clean up a complete pottery shard or discover a new kiln tool, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. The thought of being able to restore the life and craftsmanship of Song Dynasty potters through cultural relics makes me feel that everything is worthwhile."
Mr. Pei then chatted with Craftsman Chen and Gu Fanxing about the combination of archaeology and heritage preservation.
"Fanxing, what kind of support can archaeological discoveries provide for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage? The pottery shard data you've compiled must be very helpful in reviving the art of porcelain making, right?"
Gu Fanxing nodded: "Yes, Uncle. The pottery shards discovered in archaeological excavations allow us to know the glaze composition, kiln furniture shape, and shaping techniques of the Qingning Kiln in the Song Dynasty. These are important evidences for the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage."
For example, we reconstructed the clay-kneading and carving techniques of the Song Dynasty through the patterns on pottery shards. Much of what Master Chen teaches Lin Xiao now is summarized from archaeological discoveries.
Craftsman Chen also said with a smile, "Thanks to the archaeological work of Fanxing, our intangible cultural heritage has a solid foundation and is not just wild speculation."
After lunch, Gu Fanxing first took the Pei family to visit the intangible cultural heritage education base, and then went to the archaeological site.
Pointing to the site, she said, "This is the living area of Song Dynasty artisans, and that is the kiln tool storage area. We found many different kiln tools here, which shows that the division of labor in porcelain firing was very detailed at that time."
Pei Luochuan squatted down, looking at the pottery shards and tools inside with great curiosity.
Gu Fanxing handed him a pair of gloves and a brush: "Luo Chuan, try gently brushing a small piece of pottery, don't use too much force."
Pei Luochuan carefully took the pottery shard and focused on brushing it with kiln-patterned texture, following the instructions given.
"I didn't know cleaning pottery shards was so meticulous; you're afraid of brushing away the patterns if you use too much force. Sister-in-law, are the patterns on this pottery shard the ones you mentioned that are unique to the Qingning kiln of the Song Dynasty?"
“Yes,” Gu Fanxing nodded with a smile. “This kind of slanted kiln pattern is a typical feature of the Qingning kiln from the mid-Song Dynasty, and it can help us determine the age of the pottery shards.”
As the sun set, the Pei family stood beside the archaeological site, gazing at the evening glow and the distant kiln fire, filled with emotion.
Grandma Pei smiled and said, "Qinglongpo is truly a wonderful place, with mountains, water, kind people, precious archaeological discoveries, and intangible cultural heritage. Luonan and Fanxing, you must ensure that the story of Qingning Kiln is passed down forever."
“We will, Grandma,” Pei Luonan and Gu Fanxing said in unison, exchanging a smile with unwavering determination in their eyes.
As night falls, lanterns flicker in the kiln shed, the light from the kiln fire warm and bright.
The Pei family and the people of Qinglongpo sat together, eating snacks and chatting, the air filled with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus and the fresh scent of pine resin. Pei Luonan and Gu Fanxing stood side by side, looking at the harmonious scene before them, their hearts filled with happiness.
Their love is not only blessed by their families, but also infused with the warmth of Qinglongpo, the dedication of archaeologists, and the heritage of Qingning Kiln. This is the most precious happiness.