Chapter 12 : Twilight Years

Am I fated to walk this challenging path until the end?

难道我注定就是这么一个一路走到黑的命运吗？

I reject such a notion. I refuse to believe in destiny or luck. This disbelief forms the bedrock of my lifelong convictions, fueling my enduring resilience.

可是我不信命，更不信运，这是我一辈子的信念，一辈子拼搏奋斗地支撑自己的信念。

I remain discontented, restless, yearning for something more.

我只是不甘心，这一生终究也是意难平，心不甘呀！

To soar freely in the skies, one must cultivate one''s wings, mastering one''s flight.

欲作飞鸟翱翔天际，人就要自己长好翅膀，自己飞翔。

I shattered my wings, preserving my children''s feathers, hoping they could fly even higher. Yet, tragically, not everyone is driven by such ambition. Not all can withstand humiliation, shoulder burdens, embrace adversity, and persist unwaveringly, relentlessly striving to alter their destiny and that of their descendants.

自己折掉翅膀，把羽毛存给自己的子女，希望他们能够在自己的基础上飞的更高点，可叹的是并非所有人都有鸿鹄之志。并非所有的人都能忍辱负重，吃苦耐劳，十年如一日的坚持努力，日夜不停地向前赶路只求改变自己的命运以及后代子孙的命运。

Perhaps, nobles and generals are naturally predestined. Some are content with mediocrity, others grow smug with minor life improvements, and others live in the moment, postponing tomorrow''s worries to another day.

王侯将相也许真的是有种的，有的人就甘于平凡，有的人生活哪怕好一点点了就得意忘形，有的人今朝有酒今朝醉，明日愁来明日愁。

Some are timid, weak, or worse still, lazy, indulging in pleasures.

有的人就是胆小怕事，软弱无能，还好吃懒做，贪图享受。

You might concoct many excuses for your laziness, but I discern a singular reality: we inhabit divergent realms.

你可以为你的懈怠找千万个借口，只是我只认准一个理儿：就是你我是两个世界的人。

Though individuals may be impoverished, their hearts and aspirations should remain wealthy;

人可以身穷，但心不能穷，志更不能穷；

they may be weak, but their spirits should retain their strength.

人可以软弱，但心不能软弱，志气更不能短小；

Forgiveness is possible if poverty or hardship stems from natural disasters or external circumstances. Indeed, the indomitable spirit of the impoverished is laudable. However, such reasons are unforgivable f