Lu Jiang did not mind at all; the customs of the Tibetan compatriots have always been very different from those of the Han people.
In the old times, Tibetans practiced polygyny, polyandry, mother and daughter sharing a husband, father and son sharing a wife, brothers sharing a wife; except for polygyny, do any of these marital practices exist among Han people? No, they do not.
Here, they could not feel the outside world’s storms and strife.
Here, they could let go, laugh heartily, and engage in spirited discussions.
Feng Qingxue liked this atmosphere very much. Friendship made her feel relaxed, not having to live in constant fear, not worrying about relatives and friends, and not fearing the hanging sword that might fall at any moment.
Before saying goodbye, Basang Zhuoma gave her a new Tibetan robe with an apron and also gave Fubao a Seven Treasures Necklace.
The seven treasures of their Buddhist culture refer to amber, giant clam shell, pearl, coral, gold, silver, and carnelian, with large and irregular pieces of old amber strung together, interspersed with turquoise, agate, and other gems, creating a brilliant and uniquely charming array of colors.
Fubao loved it so much and hung it around her neck, "Does my necklace look nice?"
"It looks beautiful," Feng Qingxue expressed her admiration, though wondering, wasn’t the necklace too heavy for her daughter’s tender, little neck?
Fubao’s eyes crinkled into a single line.
In that moment, Feng Qingxue understood just how much her daughter loved beauty; limited by the times, she had never taken the jewelry from her space to show, not realizing her daughter naturally loved beauty.
The Seven Treasures Necklace made Basang Zhuoma one of Fubao’s most favorite people overnight.
"Sister, you are so kind, I really, really like it! My necklace!" Fubao sweetly smiled at Basang Zhuoma, her cheeks revealing two dimples very similar to Xibao’s, both sweet and lovely. Against the backdrop of the Seven Treasures Necklace, her little face looked even more porcelain-white and lustrous, like a doll, truly eye-catching.
"Truly beautiful!" Basang Zhuoma exclaimed.
Xibao said to her sister, "You like it, sister? When I grow up, I will make money and buy them for you, be good, buy them for Mom, buy them for you, and also for the beautiful sister."
Ci Ren was the leader of this gathering place, and he especially liked Xibao, giving her a family heirloom of a Heaven Pearl from Xiangxiong.
The deep green Xiangxiong Heaven Pearl, smooth and shiny as if made of jade.
Even without understanding the value and significance of the Heaven Pearl, Feng Qingxue could sense there was something extraordinary about it.
"Thank you, Grandpa!" Xibao patted her pockets, but they turned out to be empty. She couldn’t find anything to give in return and immediately turned to Feng Qingxue, "Mom, I want to give Grandpa something too!"
After the liberation, Ci Ren had learned some Mandarin. He laughed and said, "I give you a gift not to receive one from you."
Xibao opened his mouth wide, "But it’s polite!"
In his view, if he received something from someone else, he should also give them a gift in return.
"I’ve already received a gift from your mother," Ci Ren pointed at the two precious books, his dark red face full of smiles, "You can come to play often in the future. Today you ate hand-grabbed mutton; next time, I will treat you to roast lamb."
"Mom’s roast meat is very delicious, I will invite you to eat, Grandpa," Xibao said enthusiastically.
Ci Ren laughed, "If there’s an opportunity, I will bring Basang Zhuoma to visit your father and mother."
They were in military uniform, obviously stationed nearby.
Whether for political reasons or out of friendship, Ci Ren was more than happy to make friends with Lu Jiang’s family.