Siheyuan: Relieve stress and relieve worries

Chapter 22 The Streets Are Coming
July 1952, the main house in the middle courtyard of the quadrangle
Today, the mainstays of the Siheyuan gathered together

He Daqing, Xu Wude, Liu Haizhong, Yi Zhonghai, Zhao Xueer, old Zhang, Yan Bugui, the younger Xu Damao, Jia Dongxu, Liu Guangqi, Zhao Xueer's elder Zhao Weiguo, and a big round table.

Today the main seat was given to Xu Wude. Xu Wude originally wanted He Daqing to take the main seat, but He Daqing just said, "You are his father." The women didn't come, so the men sat together and suddenly they relaxed.

He Daqing spoke first. "Today is the day when Comrade Xu Damao was admitted to Shijiazhuang Institute of Mechanical Technology with honor, and he ranked third in the city. As neighbors, we should celebrate together. Now, please let Comrade Xu Wude speak."

Then he took the lead in applauding, and everyone followed suit. "Quack, quack." Xu Wood raised his glass and said excitedly, "Thank you all for your support. This kid was fortunate enough to be admitted to the technical secondary school. His hard work is one aspect, but it is also inseparable from the care of the neighbors, especially the second uncle in the backyard and Pang Shi who is not here yet. They usually provide Damao with such a quiet study environment. I am very grateful for this. I am also grateful to the neighbors in the courtyard. A close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. Let's see how we perform in the future. It all depends on the wine."

Xu Wude raised his head and drank. "Come and eat, Brother He has prepared a table of delicious food, including famous dishes. Come and eat, eat!"

The banquet gradually began, and people toasted to each other, with a group of gentlemen chatting about all sorts of things.

Xu Damao was very respectful and toasted them one by one. Of course, he drank three cups with He Daqing. The nutritious meals during his exam period were all prepared by He Daqing. He didn't ask for a cent, so he was anxious to give it to him.

Jia Dongxu is next to Yi Zhonghai. This was arranged by He Daqing.

Liu Guangqi sought advice from Xu Damao and learned more about examination experience. Xu Damao told him everything he knew.

Old Zhang from the Central Courtyard was a little strange. He kept hanging around Yan Bugui today, toasting him and offering him cigarettes.

Old Zhang also knew how to cater to Yan Bugui's interests, and kept talking to him about fishing. Yan Bugui was also a man of the moment, and he was always forthcoming and answering questions.

But He Daqing frowned. This old Zhang was abnormal. He should stay away from him in the future.

The banquet ended with Jia Dongxu and Yi Zhonghai hugging each other and crying.

Everyone left. Yi Zhonghai took Jia Dongxu and He Daqing to his room and had another drink. No one knew what they talked about.

However, the next day, the master and the apprentice went to work together, talking and laughing.

In August of 1952, the Central Courtyard of the Siheyuan
The general meeting was held again. Captain Zhang was never a man who would drag his feet, so he started to make arrangements as soon as he arrived.

The three uncles didn't hear any notice in advance, so they sent their children to knock on doors every household. They were quite efficient, and all the people were there in just the time it took to smoke a cigarette.

Company Commander Zhang stood in the center and went straight to the point, saying, "We are here today because our superiors have issued a document calling for the establishment of governments at all levels, including the urban streets. This requires everyone's cooperation. In our case, we are setting up the Nanluoguxiang Street Office in Dongcheng District. Of course, we are in the initial stage and there are many difficulties. But as the vast majority of our people are united, nothing is invincible."

Captain Zhang paused for a moment, then continued, "As the old saying goes, a train runs fast only if it is led by the locomotive. The superiors have officially appointed Comrade Wang Xinxia as the director of the Nanluoguxiang Subdistrict Office. She will be in charge of the specific work. By the way, it is the former clerk Wang. Many of you should know her. Come and applaud and welcome her."

Wang Xinxia walked to the center of the venue, bowed to everyone, and then said: "Hello everyone, those who know me and those who don't, let me introduce myself. My name is Wang Xinxia, ​​I am 28 years old this year. For a long time, I have been the director of the street office here. I serve the people and serve the people wholeheartedly. Please supervise me."

There was another round of warm applause from everyone.

Captain Zhang took over the conversation, "Does anyone have any questions? If not, let's adjourn the meeting."

At this time, Old Zhang suddenly said, "Leader, if we have something to ask, should we look for Captain Zhang or Director Wang?"

Captain Zhang said casually, "All right, now let's call it, what is it called?"

"We have a joint office, and Company Commander Zhang is the main one here. Any changes will be subject to the arrangements of our superiors." Wang Xinxia replied.

"Okay, do you have any questions?" Captain Zhang asked again. "No, meeting adjourned!"

The neighbors in the courtyard were walking home in groups of three or four, talking as they walked.

He Daqing turned his head and looked at Old Zhang deeply. He felt anxious and went back with a lot on his mind.

September 1952 Siheyuan Middle Courtyard
He Daqing was originally happy when he received Sha Zhu's letter, but after reading the letter, he fell silent.

The letter didn't say much, just reported safety and asked how everyone was, but at the end, the topic changed and advised him to remarry, as he was still young and could have more children. He mentioned He Yushui at the end, meaning that he should try to mention him less in front of He Yushui, let Yushui go to college, and build the motherland in the future. Along with the letter came two third-class merit medals and all the allowances from his official enlistment in September last year to now, totaling three million.

He Daqing cried while holding the letter, and felt a sense of despair he had never felt before. He closed the door and cried bitterly.

He didn't dare tell anyone and had to swallow the broken teeth and bear it by himself.

The next day, as soon as he opened the door, he saw Old Zhang washing up. He Daqing pretended not to see him and went to the side room to call for rain. Xu Damao came back from outside with fried dough sticks and soy milk and brought them directly to He Daqing's room.

When He Daqing took He Yushui to wash up, Lao Zhang was still there.

He Daqing acted as if nothing had happened. Old Zhang teased He Yushui and asked, "Did your brother write to you? Do you miss him?"

He Daqing's head was about to explode, but he endured it and dealt with it casually, pulling the rain into the house.

He Daqing knew that there must be something wrong with this old Zhang. If something happened, it would definitely be a big deal. Would it implicate He Yuzhu? No, this had to be reported. Who should I contact?

"Old Man Li", once this name appears, it can never be shaken off.

He Daqing didn't wait any longer. After seeing He Yushui off, he turned around and went to find Uncle Li.

Front yard of the Siheyuan

Yan Bugui's family had just finished their meal and the whole family was discussing the food.

Yan Jiefang complained that he felt bloated after eating and felt hungry if he didn't eat.

Yang Ruiping usually takes charge of the household. He looked at Yan Bugui and said guiltily, "I have money, but I can't buy anything."

Yan Bugui thought about it and agreed. The family only had two grams of flour, which was all coarse grains. The children were too young and it was indeed difficult for them to digest.

Yan Jiekuang didn't eat two-cow noodles, but only porridge. He ate a lot of vegetables, especially baby spinach and baby leeks.

He went to the field to pull the fruits himself. Yan Bugui scolded him many times and told him that they were not ripe yet, but Yan Jiekuang didn't listen at all.

At this time, Uncle Li strolled into Yan Bugui's house. After greeting them, Yang Ruiping cleaned up the dishes. Yan Jiefang took Yan Jiekuang into the inner room.

Yan Jiekuang didn't want to go. He knew that the second brother had taken a fancy to his paper airplane. He only folded one once and was targeted by the second brother.

Could this thing appear now? You said it was nothing, how do you explain when you saw an airplane?

Uncle Li talked about some family matters and then turned the topic to Xu Damao's banquet that day. He asked, "What did Old Zhang ask you?"

Yan Bugui knew that Uncle Li was a government official. He recalled for a moment and said, "Nothing much was said. It was all about the technical aspects of fishing. I am actually a novice, so I don't really understand what he said. The rest is all about the hospital."

Yan Bugui lit a cigarette, gave one to Uncle Li, and thought for a while.

Uncle Li didn't urge him. Yan Bugui couldn't really remember anything, so he said, "That's all. I just asked my mistress at the last minute."

Old man Li was shocked at first, then asked, "What did you ask Xiao San?"

Yan Bugui thought for a moment and said, "I was just concerned about Xiao San. Was she frightened when she came back the day she ran away? Did she say anything incoherent? I said it was okay, and he said he knew a doctor who could treat fright. I said no need."

Old man Li took a deep look at Yan Bugui and thought, you have been promoted to director, but you are still so out of touch.

(End of this chapter)