Chapter 347

Chapter 347: Dinner

In the 23rd District, Bedroom 013, Li Ge and Ender, along with their team of doctors, continued their observations of East Africa. The sights and experiences in Dar es Salaam had left them fascinated and enlightened.

While setting up their sleeping arrangements, Li Ji remarked, "It's true, the Imperial Court didn't deceive us. This so-called East African Kingdom is just as they described it. It's akin to what Tao Yuanming wrote about, truly eye-opening and quite peaceful."

Yuan Ye, however, had a different perspective, "No, Brother An, from what I've seen, most of the people in this East African Kingdom are uncivilized, dressed in peculiar clothes. Did you notice during the day that there are many Chinese people on the streets? They've cut off their braids and have very short hair, almost like monks. Aren't they afraid of dishonoring their ancestors?"

Li Ji offered a counterpoint, "Yuan Ye, let's not judge too quickly. This isn't the Far East; it's a foreign land, the territory of Western barbarians. They have different customs and appearances compared to our Celestial Dynasty. It's partly due to our lack of exposure, and these are our fellow Chinese. I noticed some familiar northern dialects today."

Yuan Ye remained skeptical, "Brother An, I'm certain; those people are fellow Chinese from my homeland. I wouldn't mistake it. I'm from the Daming Mansion; I know the dialect."

Zheng Mu chimed in, "There are exceptions to every rule. I think some noble Chinese may have retained their customs, but they are the minority. Most people may have conformed out of necessity or coercion. We should not be too quick to judge."

As they discussed, Hans Zhou, an East African Immigration Agency employee who also hailed from China, joined their conversation. He explained that he, too, had noticed Chinese residents in Dar es Salaam, some of whom had cut their queues.

Yuan Ye, puzzled by this, remarked, "If they are Chinese, why have they forsaken our customs and adopted foreign practices?"

Hans Zhou explained, "It's not so straightforward. Perhaps they were compelled by the locals or chose to adapt. After all, we're in foreign territory, and sometimes survival takes precedence over traditions."

Li Ji added, "While the Celestial Dynasty faces difficulties, we have to acknowledge that these are trying times. Natural disasters, rebellion, and foreign invasions have plagued us. People's immediate survival often overshadows cultural considerations. Many here may have chosen to adapt to their surroundings for their own well-being."

Yuan Ye couldn't help but voice his concerns, "Still, adopting such customs, cutting off one's braid, and wearing foreign clothes—those are drastic changes."

Hans Zhou reassured him, "Yuan Ye, don't be too harsh. It's likely that they felt compelled to conform to the local customs due to the circumstances they faced."

Li Ji further emphasized, "We must remember that we are guests in this foreign land. It is not our place to judge their choices. Instead, we should focus on understanding and helping them."

Their conversation shifted to their experiences as doctors, and Hans Zhou shared that doctors were highly respected in the East African Kingdom. He also mentioned a peculiar detail—he had heard of "Western medicine" practiced by doctors in the palace.

This piqued Li Ji's interest, and he inquired further. Hans Zhou revealed that while he hadn't seen it himself, he had heard of doctors practicing "Western medicine" in the palace, a term unfamiliar to Li Ji.

With newfound knowledge about the East African Kingdom and its inhabitants, they headed to the cafeteria for dinner. Along the way, they learned from Hans Zhou that the East African Kingdom valued equality and unity among its people, regardless of their origins.

Upon reaching the cafeteria, they encountered Aryan, a translator from the East African Embassy Distribution Assistance Group. Aryan had already selected his meal and sat down to enjoy it. He had also ordered food on behalf of the doctors, who began lining up for their meals.

Li Ge and Ander marveled at the variety of food available, and Li Ge commented on the rich offerings. Ander, who had experienced poverty during his earlier years, shared his appreciation for the plentiful food.

Li Ji reflected on his own life and shared, "I consider myself well-off in the Far East, yet I rarely indulge in such extravagant meals. I usually lead a simple life. However, the ordinary people here can enjoy a feast of meat and vegetables."

Their conversation eventually led to a discussion of the differences between East African and Far Eastern doctors, with Li Ji noting that doctors typically had higher incomes. However, Aryan explained that his foodie habits had prevented him from noticing such nuances.

As the meal continued, they realized that the doctors in the East African Kingdom were Chinese immigrants from the Far East. This revelation sparked curiosity about the presence of "Western medicine" in the palace. While Hans Zhou hadn't seen it himself, he had heard of doctors practicing such medicine.

With their appetites satisfied and their knowledge expanded, they returned to their dormitory, grateful for the opportunity to explore and learn in this foreign land.