Long ago, just south of the Yunnan city of Mengzixian (蒙自县)….
In the center of the small island, there was a beautiful lake with water as clear as jade. The island was covered in ancient bamboo trees, with giant stalks and green saplings that reached the heavens.
Many scholars from nearby areas were attracted to the small island for the imperial exams, as it was renowned for its serene environment, natural splendor, and delightful ambiance.
He frequently found himself engrossed in his studies, so he only remembered to eat the cold food that had grown after a long time. Every day, his wife made him walk a long distance to cross the bridge to bring him his midday meal. Among these scholars, he was a particularly diligent student who spent many days studying on the island.
She individually prepared the components for the meal – the ingredients, spices, and nearby rice noodles – which happened to be her husband’s preferred dish. In order to accommodate his unpredictable eating patterns, she decided to slaughter a plump hen and create a steaming hot chicken soup. As a result, the scholar began to visibly lose weight, causing great concern for his caring and affectionate wife. However, one day, an idea struck her.
She brought them over the bridge and combined them in different bowls, just before he was ready to eat. The whole bowl kept the chicken broth hot enough to cook the noodles and other ingredients, creating a thin layer of oil on top.
It was effective. The academic enjoyed the steaming noodle soup, and the spouse began crossing the bridge daily with these bowls.
The scholar eventually succeeded in passing the imperial exams, thanks to the hospitality and great kindness of his wonderful wife who jokingly remarked that it was the noodles that helped him pass the notoriously difficult and prestigious exams.
“The name, ‘Crossing the Bridge Noodles’, was derived from the wife’s daily stroll across the bridge to deliver her husband’s meals. This narrative has been passed down through generations, representing affection, endearment, and admiration.”
This story helps us understand the traditional morals and values of China in an agricultural society, just like many of its kind legends. The scholar is always described as hardworking and diligent, willing to embrace hardship and solitude in the pursuit of a good future and fortune.
The wife is considered kindhearted and virtuous for overcoming heartache and difficulty by expressing deep affection and love through the daily delivery of hot meals to her husband.
The village received immense honor and contentment when the husband attained the prestigious title of an imperial scholar due to their resolute determination. As a consequence, the story frequently concludes with this statement.