Dominating Shu

The fifth year of Jianxing in Shu, Qingming at Yangping Mountain, Hanzhong.

Spring winds, almost imperceptibly, had crossed over the great Daba Mountains, painting the rolling hills in vibrant green. Patches upon patches of golden rapeseed blossoms dotted the valleys like vivid embroidery on a green brocade of Shu, dazzling and bright.

Amid this sea of rapeseed on the hillside, two boys were running. The one in front was about twelve or thirteen, the one behind around seventeen or eighteen. Their faces bore some resemblance, but the younger boy was sturdy as a little tiger, bounding with endless energy. He dashed lightly over the wild hills, occasionally glancing back at his breathless companion, sometimes laughing triumphantly.

“Brother, hurry up!” He doubled back, grabbing the elder who looked ready to collapse, his grin so wide it revealed his molars. “You’re tired, aren’t you? How about we rest a bit?”

“No… I can’t.” The older boy was drenched in sweat, his face flushed crimson, gasping for breath, his steps so heavy he could barely lift his legs. If not for the support, he would have fallen into the fields by the road. Though utterly exhausted, he refused to give in, pushing aside his brother’s hand, gritting his teeth: “I’ll only rest when I reach the top. Even if I have to crawl… I’ll crawl up myself.”

“Heh, brother, you’re like a different person after your illness. If you’d been this tough before, you’d be even sturdier than our eldest now.”

The boy chuckled, a little pleased with himself, but his laughter was hoarse for lack