This village, located on the high mountain south of the Waijiao River, is called Henan Village. It inevitably reminds people of Henan Province, the historically significant central plains province south of the Yellow River. Interestingly, in the Nanzhao Museum within the ancient city of Weishan, many ancient farming tools unearthed from Ma'anshan Township—the administrative area where Henan Village is located—suggest that Henan Village also has a long history, though little is recorded for future generations.
Henan Village is like a traveler crossing mountains, sitting on a high slope, its gaze following the stream deep in the valley, flowing toward distant peaks and the vast sky, until it blurs into a chaotic whole, indistinguishable. The river in front of the mountain, called Waijiao River, is actually a tributary of the Heihui River, which meanders into the Lancang River, a famous international river in Southwest China, and finally flows into the Pacific Ocean. Thus, this traveler atop the high mountain, whenever it silently gazes at a drop of water in the mountain stream flowing away, becomes closely connected to the vast and distant sea.
We passed by Henan Village on our way back from Niulutang Village to the ancient city of Weishan. At that time, the setting sun gently caressed this quiet and remote small mountain village. Henan Village, with the same earthy tones as the land, rarely shows off or makes noise, but this warm sunset brought a touch of vitality, catching the attention of passersby. The rustic atmosphere of the village permeated every corner, with the distant and near sounds of roosters and dogs stirring the hazy, faint air, gradually spreading and drifting leisurely toward the higher mountains.
Most houses in the village are old rammed-earth dwellings. During the Lunar New Year, villagers paste festive couplets and New Year paintings on the simple but tidy doors, infusing the houses with a new spirit. Even in winter, the houses do not look cold but rather more cozy.
In the monotonous nature surrounded by high mountains, the flow of light becomes easily noticeable. A car passing on the ribbon-like winding road, or a person or a flock of sheep moving on the opposite slope—these can be easily seen and noticed. As for the still objects in the village, they are only remembered when needed; otherwise, they stay in a corner until their purpose is required.
Seeing lemons and a large grove of lemon trees in the winter fields of the village is delightful. Like many villages, Henan Village has poor soil and scarce natural resources. For a long time, villagers lived a simple and monotonous life. When thick pipes were laid from the valley, water was brought into the village, and the new industry of lemon cultivation took root after many twists and turns. However, years passed, and the small fruits on the branches never brought significant income to the villagers; their lives did not improve much. But hope still hangs on the branches, and those hardworking hands will not stop working, lest hope fall to the ground.
