Six Sights of Meigu Page 17 of 18 · Reflections

A hundred years ago, armies clashed fiercely here, leaving white bones sunk into the mud. Years later, fishermen found the carp in these waters unusually plump and flavorful, far beyond those caught elsewhere. Plum trees also began to flourish along the shore, their blossoms a dripping crimson.

In time, scholars and other men of refined taste began building retreats here. Avoiding the ominous name "Maigu," or "Buried Bones," they gave the place the more graceful name "Meigu," or "Plum Valley," and built song houses where they could admire the blossoms and listen to songs.

Yet on rainy nights, the clash of weapons and the thunder of warhorses can still be heard lingering.