Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 3068 Returning as a Youth
The festive atmosphere in Beijing this year is quite strong.

Even before the Lunar New Year, colorful flags and banners were already hung up throughout Beijing, and large red lanterns were displayed at some entrances, just like in previous years.

But what was different was the constant singing coming from the loudspeaker.

Since tape recorders came out, every street office has bought them and started playing tapes recorded by various performing arts troupes.

There are new songs, old songs, local operas such as Peking Opera and Huangmei Opera, and even storytelling and crosstalk.

All of this was due to the effects of tape recorders and cassette tapes, which enriched people's entertainment culture and made life more enjoyable.

Nine departments, cultural troupes.

As the year draws to a close, Yang Xiaotao, Li Hongfeng, Lao Hong, and others need to go down to the grassroots level to visit and extend their regards to the workers around Beijing.

As for those further away, we can only send our greetings by phone.

The arrival of Yang Xiaotao from the cultural troupe caused a stir throughout the entire garrison.

In particular, the Ninth Division won another great victory this year. Under the leadership of Yang Xiaotao, the Ninth Division not only exceeded its target but also earned more foreign exchange than the other eight divisions combined.

Their performing arts troupe is very proud of this achievement.

It makes them feel even more proud when performing outside.

Of course, such excellent results also brought huge rewards.

Their dear Comrade Yang Xiaotao personally secured a subsidy and benefits package of 100 million yuan.

How much is this?

Even if all nine members combined and the money was divided equally, they would still receive several tens of yuan.

Moreover, this is just a benefit given by the superiors; the Ninth Department itself has its own welfare system.

It's now rumored that ordinary workers in computer factories are receiving benefits comparable to those of a level-six worker.

It's absolutely enviable!

"Thank you for coming to inspect our work, sir!"

"Our cultural troupe is truly honored."

Yu Jun, the head of the cultural troupe, came up to Yang Xiaotao and shook hands with him excitedly.

I couldn't help but get excited; you can't judge this young man by his age.

This man is the head of the Nine Departments; any word he utters can cause a sensation.

Moreover, he didn't get the position through connections; they thoroughly researched Yang Xiaotao's life to prepare for filming "The Glorious Road."

I visited not only the courtyard house multiple times, but also Yangjiazhuang Village quite often.

There is absolutely no background.

If there is one, then it's one.

Three generations of poor farmers.

The most glorious kind.

The more you know about someone's background, the better you understand the meaning of the phrase "a genius of extraordinary talent".

If the story were filmed according to the script written by the person in front of you, the Glorious Path wouldn't need to be a movie; it could easily be made into a TV series.

One episode covers one event, or it's a long series.

What's more, he's very approachable and can chat with anyone, including any leader.

Yang Xiaotao patted the other man's shoulder warmly, then smiled and said, "Commander Yu, it's almost the New Year, so I came to see how the comrades are doing and bring them some warmth!"

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this.

This act of kindness is truly heartwarming.

"Boss, your visit is the greatest comfort to us."

Yu Jun and several leaders of the cultural troupe were talking happily, and Zhang Qing was smiling the brightest among them.

She has already told her family that she will not be returning to Shanghai for the Chinese New Year this year; she will stay in Beijing to film a movie.

As for where to spend the New Year, of course we'll go to a traditional courtyard house.

Accompanied by others, Yang Xiaotao then visited the cultural troupe's residence and training ground. Despite the cold weather, the training ground was heated, and a group of artists were dancing gracefully.

Yang Xiaotao felt he couldn't appreciate it; he wasn't an artistic person to begin with. Watching a group of men and women dancing in their practice clothes, he could only maintain a smile and applaud appropriately.

"lead!"

At this moment, the head of the cultural troupe stepped forward and said, "The 'Maoshan Taoist' crew is right in front of us. This time, we have invited a Maoshan Taoist priest from across the country to provide guidance. We are preparing to bring martial arts to the big screen and promote our martial arts culture."

"We are currently working on post-production dubbing, and if all goes well, it is expected to be released domestically on the first day of the Lunar New Year."

As Yu Jun was speaking, Yang Xiaotao asked curiously, "Did you choose Maoshan?"

Yu Jun immediately nodded.

"Yes, we provided several options when selecting martial arts stories."

"The most representative ones are Shaolin Temple and Wudang Mountain."

"But when it was submitted, Director Yang removed Shaolin Temple and replaced it with Maoshan."

As Yu Jun explained, Yang Xiaotao remembered that something had happened a little while ago.

It seemed that the old Taoist priest had mentioned something to him, and he casually remarked that it was worth promoting the idea that Taoist priests should go down the mountain to fight against the Japanese and save people from suffering.

Later, Yang Youning somehow found out about this and removed the Shaolin Temple, replacing it with a Maoshan Taoist priest.

Then, for some reason, they ended up choosing a Taoist priest from Maoshan.

Yang Xiaotao thought he would choose Wudang Mountain.

In retrospect, it seems the old Taoist priest played a role in this.

But it doesn't matter. This is a martial arts film, not a war film. As long as the chivalry of martial arts is captured, that's fine.

However, Yang Xiaotao always felt uneasy, and he always felt that this must be related to Uncle Jiu's Maoshan.

Uh, not that Ninth Uncle from Yangjiazhuang.

Forget it, there's no way to deal with this.

Yang Xiaotao composed himself and joined the others at the film set.

As soon as they entered, the crew members who had received the news applauded to welcome them; there were dozens of people in total.

Yang Xiaotao greeted everyone one by one, and then shook hands with several of the lead actors.

Then, at Yu Jun's call, the actors in the crew gave a live performance. It has to be said that the kung fu they were performing was real. The female knight wielded her double swords with incredible speed, the protagonist's long sword was dazzling, and the villain's large ring-bladed sword was even more imposing.

Putting everything else aside, their skill level alone far surpasses that of actors in later generations.

After the performance, Yu Jun asked Yang Xiaotao to say a few words.

At this moment, most of the members of the cultural troupe gathered around, their eyes fixed on Yang Xiaotao.

"Okay, then say a few words."

Unable to refuse, Yang Xiaotao took the microphone and faced the crowd.

After a moment's thought, he spoke.

"Hello, fellow members of the performing arts troupe and actors and staff."

"First of all, I would like to wish everyone a happy new year in advance. I hope you all have a happy and healthy new year, and that your families are happy and harmonious."

Applause erupted from all around, and the crowd was very enthusiastic.

"Secondly, I also have some thoughts that I would like to share and discuss with you all."

The people around him listened quietly. Yang Xiaotao took a deep breath and said, "Comrades."

"With the development of society and economy and the progress of science and technology, people's living standards will gradually improve."

"The demand for spiritual and cultural enrichment will continue to grow."

"So, as disseminators of spiritual and cultural values, what should we do to meet the needs of the people?"

Yang Xiaotao looked at everyone, and they all remained silent.

"Zhang Qing, you speak."

Yang Xiaotao called out Zhang Qing's name directly. Zhang Qing shrank back and stammered, "Boss, I think it's about making good works, works that the people like."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, then looked at the others, "That's one aspect."

"Any more?"

"Leader, I think we should film what the people need."

The girl next to Zhang Qing then spoke up.

"Hmm, not bad, is there any more?"

“Leader, I think we can guide the needs of the people.” Everyone chimed in, and Yang Xiaotao nodded in agreement.

After everyone had finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao solemnly said, "What you all said is correct."

"But I think that as a cultural worker, the first thing to do is to be clear about 'who you are' and 'what you are here to do'."

The group exchanged glances, seemingly lost in thought.

"Comrades, you are members of the Ninth Division. Just like soldiers, teachers, workers, and peasants, you are all contributing to the revolution with your own efforts."

"You use your own methods to spread revolutionary ideas, Chinese culture and spirit. You can bring emotional value to people and resonate with the audience through your performances and the tasks of 'rolling eyes'!"

"What you are doing is bringing happiness to the people and bringing the correct values ​​of the revolution."

"But with the advancement of technology, the development of projection technology, the progress of tape recorders and tapes, and even the movie right in front of you, some of you will become well-known public figures and idols in people's hearts."

"That's right, idols are people's favorites, idols, and aspirations."

Yang Xiaotao's words left everyone present puzzled and even incredulous.

What idols do people worship in this era?
They were war heroes, workers, and farmers, but no one ever said they admired any singer or actor.

Seeing everyone's confusion, Yang Xiaotao sighed inwardly. If they knew about the idol worship in later generations, the things that would lead to financial ruin for celebrities, and the crazy pursuit of a 'handsome guy', they wouldn't be so confused.

Of course, they might find out later.

But for now, they are mostly pure artists.

All Yang Xiaotao can do is protect those who are truly dedicated to art.

Then sweep all those crazy, effeminate, and nonsensical guys into the trash heap.

"Don't doubt it, it's very likely."

Yang Xiaotao continued, "Because of its unique nature, our films have a wider audience than books, newspapers, and radio."

"Because a large portion of our country's population is illiterate; they cannot read or understand newspapers."

"But they can understand movies!"

"When Huang Shiren reveals his lewd grin, people will raise their hands in anger; when Yang Bailao kneels and begs, people will feel a surge of sympathy; when they see Xiaobaicai being bullied by a bully, they wish they could rush up and beat him to death; and when they see a Japanese soldier killed, they will be overjoyed."

"That's the charm of movies, and that's why we formed a projection team to show movies in the countryside."

"At this time, but after you become public figures, after you become idols."

“Let’s think back to my questions: ‘Who am I?’ ‘What am I supposed to do?’”

At this moment, everyone fell silent.

After a long silence, Yang Xiaotao finally smiled and said, "Comrades!"

"I think you already have your own answers."

"I have developed my own understanding."

"Here, I only hope that after experiencing the ups and downs, hardships and turbulence of life, everyone can still maintain a childlike heart, innocence and vigor when they return, and never forget their original aspirations."

May you sail through countless trials and tribulations, and return still a youth at heart.

Bang bang bang bang
The applause was deafening, and everyone was thrilled.

The following day, an article with the phrase "Returning as a youth" appeared in the Sijiucheng Morning Post.

Below the article is a group photo of Yang Xiaotao and the members of the art troupe.

Below, Yang Xiaotao's words from the event were quoted, providing a comprehensive explanation of the meaning of "returning as a youth."

The article begins with Yang Xiaotao's expectations for literary and artistic workers, explaining the importance of literary and artistic work, and at the same time putting forward requirements for the future of literary and artistic workers.

This has generated high expectations and attracted widespread attention.

Yang Xiaotao never expected that his impromptu remarks would make it into the newspaper and be widely discussed.

It was only then that Yang Xiaotao realized that he was also a public figure and needed to be responsible for his words.

Yang Xiaotao then made up his mind to speak less and be more careful with his words in the future.

Just as Yang Xiaotao entered the pharmaceutical factory for inspection, this article appeared on Qing Lao's desk.

In the courtyard, Old Qing and his eldest sister sat on reclining chairs in front of the table, with wolf-skin rugs beneath them. The heating in the room was on, making it warm and cozy, which made them feel drowsy.

Of course, it's impossible to fall asleep.

In the next room, Xingxing was pestering Tang Mingyue to play on the computer, and even said in a serious tone that she wanted to go to France to participate in a competition.

"If you keep doing this, I'll have the computer taken away."

Tang Mingyue looked at nine-year-old Xingxing, who was like a little adult and looked more and more like Yang Xiaotao.

As a result, she rarely takes Xingxing to the courtyard house now, for fear of being recognized.

Of course, as children grow older, they also begin to rebel.

Before, the little guy would obediently agree to anything I said.

But nowadays, they won't listen to any nice words, and they even spout a bunch of fallacies that make you want to kick them.

"Mom, if you send her away, I'll go play at Duanwu's house, hmph."

Xingxing put her hands on her hips, looking very unwilling.

Tang Mingyue was speechless with anger, "How dare you!"

"I dare."

“During the Dragon Boat Festival, a few of them went to the Ninth Division. They said they could play games there often, so I went to play with them. I'll go to the Ninth Division again next time.”

"No, if you dare to go, don't ever come back."

Tang Mingyue spoke sternly, startling Xingxing so much that she didn't react for a moment.

As far as I can remember, my mother had never been this angry before.

"Mingyue, don't frighten the child."

Old Qing walked to the door with the newspaper in his hand, looked at the mother and daughter in front of him, and sighed in his heart.

The child is young, so we can still fool him.

This kid's grown up; it's getting harder for him to lie to people now.

Xingxing asked several times who his father was, and each time his family told him that his father had already sacrificed his life.

But the child was clever; every time he asked about his 'father's' deeds, they had to be careful, because saying too much would be wrong.

The more you say, the more lies you need to cover it up.

"grandfather!"

When Xingxing saw Qing Lao coming over, she immediately rushed over to him.

Old Master Qing's health has improved in recent years, and he is much better than before. However, he can't stop Xingxing from growing so fast that her head has already reached his waist and abdomen. When he hugged her tightly, Old Master Qing almost couldn't hold her.

Seeing this, Tang Mingyue quickly stepped forward to help and took her son into her arms.

"it's okay no problem."

Old Qing smiled and then said to Xingxing, "Playing games requires a balance between work and rest, like this."

“If you learn a poem from Grandpa and memorize it, Grandpa will reward you with half an hour of playtime.”

"Really?"

"really."

"it is good!"

Xingxing immediately grabbed Qinglao's hand and pulled him outside, but a moment later Qinglao's voice came, "The sword isn't properly sheathed yet."

Then came the boy's tender voice.

The eldest sister walked to Tang Mingyue's side and said with a smile, "Children should play when it's time to play. Xingxing is a smart child, as long as she doesn't go astray."

Tang Mingyue held her eldest sister's arm and said, "This child is smart, but the smarter he is, the harder he is to manage."

"It's all that guy's fault, why did he have to play games for no reason?"

The older woman laughed heartily, then took a deep breath and said, "Don't underestimate this game; I heard it's made a lot of money."

"Furthermore, Qiuye also said that computer courses will be set up in middle schools after the New Year, and people will be sent to the Ninth Department to study so that they can become computer teachers in the future."

"This has really revitalized rural education."

Tang Mingyue nodded in agreement. She often offered advice to Ran Qiuye behind the scenes regarding her work, and she even played a part in handling the last incident.

"Hopefully, more and more children will be able to go to school in the future."

The older sister nodded in agreement, and then the childish voice came again.

"Still a youth at heart upon return!"

At this moment, Tang Mingyue seemed to see that figure from the past.
(End of this chapter)