Explore Chapter 33 of 'Moment in Peking' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
In Hangzhou, Sunya managed a tea business and often went into the mountains to purchase tea leaves. Sometimes Mulan would accompany him, enjoying the mountain scenery. She felt that this serene life was exactly what she had yearned for.
However, good times did not last long. In 1937, Japan launched a full-scale war of aggression against China. After Shanghai fell, Hangzhou was also in imminent danger. Mulan's father, Yao Si'an, was advanced in years and decided to stay in Hangzhou to look after the old house, urging Mulan and the children to leave first.
Mulan resolutely disagreed and said, "Dad, how can we feel at ease if you stay alone? If we go, we go together; if we stay, we stay together."
After some debate, the family finally decided to evacuate together to Sichuan. On the day of departure, Mulan turned back to take one last look at the old house where she had lived for years, her heart filled with reluctance. She knew that this farewell might be forever.