The palace's courtyard and backyard are separated by a gorge.
A suspension bridge connects them.
Standing in front of the suspension bridge, Kawashima Miki gazes to the other side.
On the towering cliffs, red and black pines stand solemn and silent.
Climbing vines and tendrils snake their way around the trees, turning the leaves a brick-earth color. Midway up the cliff, a cedar tree is encircled with straw rope, and a table full of offerings is placed there. The closer one gets to the summit of God Mountain, the more the vegetation seems endowed with a spirituality, naturally becoming messengers of nature.
For instance, whenever a breeze blows, tiny pale yellow flowers would suddenly fall from the tall treetops.
"Across the suspension bridge is home."
Aunt Qing holds the hands of the two prospective brides and steps onto the suspension bridge.
Looking down from the suspension bridge reveals a different landscape.
