Chapter 48: Touring Suzhou
"Suzhou is one of the most wealthy and elegant places in the mundane world," wrote Cao Xueqin in "Dream of the Red Chamber." Alongside Hangzhou, Suzhou has long been known as a paradise on earth. Though its historical glory has been overshadowed by modern metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai, Suzhou still retains its charm with its beautiful landscapes, elegant gardens, rich cultural heritage, and the unique atmosphere of its ancient city with small bridges, flowing water, white walls, black tiles, and famous historic gardens. The surrounding ancient towns further enhance Suzhou's reputation as one of the most scenic cities in the world.
Traveling from Wuxi to Suzhou via the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway takes only about an hour. It was evening, and the lights had just come on when Murong Feng and Ye Zi arrived. They decided to indulge in a couples' spa in a waterside spa house, where the skilled Thai masseurs' precise acupoint massages dispelled all the fatigue from their day in Wuxi.
Initially, they had planned to explore Suzhou's nightscape, but after the spa, they felt too relaxed and lazy to move. The lakeside balcony of their lake-view suite had two hammocks, where they comfortably lay, gently swaying in the quiet, breeze-stirred evening.
Feeling leisurely, Ye Zi whispered to Murong Feng, "Murong, I want to learn Suzhou dialect." Murong Feng chuckled, "Learning that might get your tongue tied." Ye Zi rolled her eyes and mixed Shanghai and Suzhou dialects, saying, "Be careful how you speak." Murong Feng laughed heartily.
They enjoyed tea and listened to a Suzhou Pingtan musical, and after their enjoyment, Murong Feng took Ye Zi to "Song He Lou" to eat the famous Squirrel Mandarin Fish, which Ye Zi thoroughly enjoyed.
The next day, Murong Feng accompanied Ye Zi shopping. They visited brand stores on Guanqian Street and quaint shops on Shiquan Street. Ye Zi loved everything, from small embroidery handkerchiefs to Zisha teapots, buying a variety of items. Murong Feng dutifully followed behind, carrying bags and paying for purchases. He did, however, assert himself once, pulling Ye Zi into a custom qipao shop to order two dresses. The tailor continuously praised Ye Zi's figure, saying she would outshine Maggie Cheung in the qipao, making both laugh heartily.
Although reluctant, Ye Zi's vacation eventually came to an end. Murong Feng drove her back to Wuxi, where their farewell was naturally filled with lingering emotions.
When Murong Feng drove into Hangzhou, it was already late at night.
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