Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 156 Old Zhao's Guess

Before the Lunar New Year, He Yuzhu had some free time at work. So he asked He Daqing how he bought New Year's goods when he wasn't home. He Daqing perked up immediately.

He used to do small-scale scavenging, bringing home bits and pieces of whatever he could find, because he could only do what he had. Now that supplies are becoming increasingly scarce, he really can't get anything good.

"What, what can you get your hands on?" He Daqing asked.

"Won't the neighbors gossip if I do too much?"

"Is that even a question? People only have dumplings for one meal during the New Year, but you brought back a whole bunch of stuff. It's no wonder people are gossiping."

"How did you do it before?"

“Is that a one-time thing? Every time I help people prepare a feast at the end of the year, I try my best to get things like cured meat and dried goods that can be stored. Who can say anything if I only use a little bit each time? I earned this with my skills.”

"Oh, what about raw meat? Can you handle that?"

"How many?"

"A pig, a sheep, several dozen kilograms of beef, and some seafood and vegetables."

“Hey, Zhu Zi, we’re a leader now, so we can’t afford to make mistakes.”

"What mistake did I make? I paid for it."

"Do you have money? You've only been working for a few months, and you bought so much stuff last time."

"Don't ask me that, let's just talk about how to do it."

"Why don't we call Da Mao? He's always been the one to cover for me. And can we keep the pigs separate? You don't even bring a pig's head home. What are we going to say when we're cooking pig's head at home?"

The main reason for the cover-up was the involvement of the Xu family. They were the only family in the backyard, so everything they did had to be seen by them. Xu Damao was involved, so what could Xu Fugui say? He Daqing wasn't stingy either; if he got anything good, Damao would get a little bit too.

"Alright, I understand. You don't need to worry about this."

"Alright, you guys do it yourselves, but be careful."

After that, He Yuzhu went to find Xu Damao. He hadn't seen the kid for a long time, and the kid was immediately happy to see that his brother Zhuzi had come to find him again.

"Brother Zhu, what do you want?"

"Come on, let's talk over there."

"well."

The two returned to the east wing. He Yuzhu explained about bringing things home, and Xu Damao said, "Brother Zhu, could you help me get some too?"

"Isn't that obvious? I wouldn't ask you to work for free if I asked you to."

"Then I'll go back and ask my dad for some money."

"Okay, you can keep the money yourself, you don't need to give it to me."

"How can that be? Don't you need money to buy things?"

"Just keep it. I heard you've been studying Russian quite diligently lately?"

"hey-hey."

"Consider this a reward. Feel free to read any of the books here. If you have the money, you can buy some study materials or something that will be convenient for you."

"Thank you, Brother Zhu."

The two brothers discussed how to get it into the yard, and finally decided to do it from the east wing. Xu Damao suggested getting a ladder, but He Yuzhu said it wasn't necessary and that they could just wait to receive the goods when they contacted him.

He Yuzhu didn't say what it was, and Xu Damao didn't ask either; they'd find out once they got it back.

Afterwards, He Yuzhu approached He Daqing again, asking him to help him get a set of butcher's tools. He Daqing immediately knew that He Yuzhu wanted to butcher a whole pig himself, and asked if he needed help and if he knew how to do it. He Yuzhu said no, he had learned in Tianjin, of course he could butcher cattle and sheep.

Having obtained the tools, He Yuzhu separated two pigs, two sheep, and a cow from the spatial dimension.

One night before the Lunar New Year, he went to Wang Hongxia's house and brought her a pig's head, a pig's hind leg, four pig's trotters, a lamb leg, two chickens, two fish, a bag of apples, and some vegetables.

Zhao Fengnian, who opened the door, was startled.

"Zhu Zi, what's wrong with you?"

"The Chinese New Year is almost here, so I'm sending some New Year's gifts in advance."

"Are you giving New Year's gifts or moving?"

"Hey, Comrade Zhao, you're just going to make me stand at the door?"

"You little brat, you don't even call me 'Uncle' anymore."

"Old Zhao, who's standing outside the door? Why aren't they coming in?" Wang Hongxia's voice came from inside the courtyard.

"The pillar is here."

"Then why won't you let them in? Honestly."

"Fine, fine!" Zhao Fengnian reluctantly opened the door.

"Wow, Zhu Zi, what are you doing?" Wang Hongxia was surprised to see He Yuzhu's bicycle covered with all sorts of things when she arrived at the door.

"Giving New Year's gifts!"

"Giving such an expensive New Year's gift? Are you struggling financially?"

“This is for three years, can I give it all together?” He Yuzhu said.

Zhao Fengnian and his wife exchanged a glance, and Wang Hongxia said, "Zhuzi, this gift is too extravagant, and what else do you have?"

"Aunt Xia, don't worry, it was bought with real money, don't you believe me!"

"Xiaoxia, Fengnian, who's here? What are you whispering about outside?" Old Mrs. Wang called out when she heard the commotion outside.

"Mom, Zhuzi is here."

"This is a rare guest, Zhu Zi. Come in and talk to Grandma."

"Alright!" He Yuzhu smiled and handed the bicycle to Zhao Fengnian, then took the net bag containing the apples off the handlebars and headed towards the main house.

The King and Queen Zhao looked at each other and smiled bitterly.

He Yuzhu was chatting with Principal Wang and his wife inside when Zhao Fengnian came in.

"Pillar, come out here for a moment."

"What's wrong, Uncle Zhao?"

"What are we going to do with that pig's head you brought? We don't know how."

Do you have a big pot at home?

"Have."

"Then I'll help you deal with it, including the pig's trotters."

"Zhu Zi, did you bring something else?" Old Mrs. Wang thought He Yuzhu had only brought apples.

"I only prepared some meat; it's Chinese New Year, after all."

"Zhu Zi, you can't make a mistake!" Principal Wang said.

“Principal, I’m not asking your family for anything. I’m just visiting relatives during the New Year. How can it be that you don’t recognize me as your student, or that my Uncle Zhao and Aunt Xia don’t recognize me as their nephew?”

"Zhu Zi, don't listen to this old man's nonsense. You've given away so many things, what about your own home?"

"Grandma Wang, what I sent to you is something I already have at home."

"That's fine, that's fine."

When He Yuzhu went to help stew the pig's head, Old Mrs. Wang also came out and was startled when she saw the things she had brought.

She quietly pulled Wang Hongxia aside and said, "Xiaoxia, all these things must be worth a lot of money. Zhuzi has only been working for a short time. Give him the money when he leaves."

"I know, Mom. I was just talking to Fengnian about this. But Zhuzi really solved our problem. It's so hard to buy meat this year. We'll have a lot of guests coming over for the New Year, and I was really worried about it."

"Zhu Zi is a loyal and kind child; you must keep a close eye on him from now on!"

"I know, Mom!"

After He Yuzhu finished preparing the pig's head, he was about to leave when Wang Hongxia stuffed a wad of cash into his pocket.

He Yuzhu protected his pockets and pushed the cart out.

The couple tried to pull and tug at each other, but in the end, He Yuzhu still managed to escape.

“Hongxia, you need to keep a close eye on Zhuzi’s family from now on. We must make sure that what happened before doesn’t happen again.”

"You don't know yet, do you? Zhu Zi's mother is now the 'big boss' in charge!"

"Ah, as far as I know, there are very few female comrades in charge, aren't there?"

“I’m just taking a look. If it works out, I’m planning to renovate other courtyards too. The men are all at work during the day and don’t know what’s happening in the courtyard. The neighborhood committee meetings have to be held at night, which is a waste of time.”

“That’s right. If you achieve good results, I’ll have other sub-district offices in the district come and learn from you.”

"Oh, my district chief, so now you want to learn from us?"

"It happened before. When Zhu Zi gave his report, wasn't your subdistrict office outstanding enough?"

"Hmph, that's why this pillar is a treasure."

"It's a pity they don't come to our district."

“Isn’t it better now? I think he’s doing a better job now, able to realize his own value and bring more to the country.”

"Yeah, how come I never noticed this kid when I lived in a courtyard house? I was too late," Zhao Fengnian sighed.

"What? How old were they back then? You expect them to do secret work with you?"

"It's hard to say, it's hard to say."

"Why is it hard to say?"

"There's something that's been going on for many years, doesn't it seem strange to you?"

"you are right?"

"Correct."

"But we didn't see anyone at all. Don't you find that sound strange?"

"What was that sound? I was too nervous to notice."

"The voice of the person who saved us."

"You mean, no way, how big was the pillar back then?"

"Zhu Zi is a good kid, a good comrade. If he doesn't mention it, we'll pretend we don't know anything about it."

"Okay." Wang Hongxia was even more determined to protect the He family and let He Yuzhu work outside with peace of mind.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Fengnian dropped another bombshell.

'I don't think it was a coincidence that Cuiping returned to Beijing.'

"Really? I asked Cuiping, and it was just a chance encounter."

Do you think she'll tell you everything?

"Too."

"Don't ask anymore, it's not good to ask too much."

“I know, on the train?” “That was really a coincidence. I talked to He Daqing. He originally wanted Zhuzi to learn from him, but Zhuzi learned too fast and he had no one to teach. That’s when he remembered that he had a senior brother in Tianjin. The time he went out was always set on the spot.”

"That's good, otherwise this kid would be a bit scary."

"What nonsense are you talking about? Zhuzi is a good kid and a good comrade. You better watch your mouth when you go out in the future."

"Yes, my District Chief Zhao."

"But I always have a feeling that this kid will do something big in the future, and I don't know if I can help him handle it."

"What's the big deal?"

"I don't know, it's just a gut feeling."

"Should we talk to Zhu Zi?"

"Wait a minute."

"Alright, I need to go check on the pot. You can go back inside."

"Let's go together, the things Zhuzi makes smell delicious."

"I think you're just waiting to be the first to take a bite."

"hey-hey."

After delivering the items, He Yuzhu parked his bicycle and went to the east wing, where he left three sacks before returning to the backyard.

He called out from outside Xu Damao's house, "Damao, are you asleep?"

"No, Brother Zhu, what's up?" Xu Damao ran out, still wearing his clothes and slippers.

"The goods have arrived. Come with me to bring them back," He Yuzhu whispered.

"Where are you? Do you need to ride a bike?" Xu Damao also lowered his voice.

"It's in the east courtyard."

"Hey, Brother Zhu, why didn't you tell me?"

"What are you saying? We've already brought them back, so hurry up and put your shoes on."

"Oh, okay." Xu Damao quickly put on his clothes and shoes, and went back to get a flashlight.

When the two brothers arrived at the east courtyard, Xu Damao saw the three large sacks and was a little confused. How did they get in here? They were thrown in along the wall, but he didn't hear a sound.

He found a burlap sack and tried to lift it, but he couldn't.

"Brother Zhu, what's in there? It's so heavy!"

"You have a good eye for picking; yours has one and a half pieces of pork inside."

"That explains why I couldn't lift it."

"Take this one, it's lighter." He Yuzhu handed the container for the vegetables to Xu Damao.

"Let me help you carry the pork first."

"Let's go." He Yuzhu picked up a sack in each hand and walked towards the backyard. Xu Damao was numb. The pork sack weighed nearly 200 jin, and the other one was also quite heavy, weighing about 100 jin. What was going on with him carrying one in each hand? Was there really such a big difference between him and Brother Zhu?

The food was delivered to the cellar in the backyard. The vegetables were covered with several straw sacks, but the meat was left untouched.

"Still confused tonight?"

"Don't you even look at the time? You'll be helping me in the backyard first thing tomorrow morning. There are too many people and too many eyes in the middle yard."

"it is good."

The two brothers went back to sleep, and the next morning Xu Damao came to find He Yuzhu early.

Upon meeting, he immediately asked, "Brother Zhu, where's Pighead?"

"What's wrong?"

"Pig's head meat is delicious."

"So you're craving braised pig's head, huh? Just wait, it'll be available in a couple of days."

"Oh."

The two brothers set up a large table in the backyard, erected a wooden stake, nailed on a hook, and had four girls standing next to it: Xiaoman, He Yushui, Xu Xiaohui, and Wang Siyu. They weren't there to help; they were just there to watch the fun.

Even the old lady put a chair by the door and sat there happily watching the two boys busy themselves.

Watching He Yuzhu skillfully butcher the pig and sheep, the girls kept exclaiming in amazement.

The old lady then said, "Zhu Zi, did you learn this skill in Tianjin?"

"Yes, madam. I originally learned how to butcher oxen, but pigs and sheep are pretty much the same."

"Not bad, you haven't lost your skills over the years." Having a skill to rely on is better than anything else.

"Brother, you're even more skilled than the pork sellers at the market. Why don't we go sell pork too? That way we can have pork every day."

"You silly girl, all you know is how to eat. How can Brother Zhu's job compare to selling pork?" Xiaoman poked He Yushui's head.

"Brother Da Mao, why don't you go?" He Yushui's eyes darted around.

"No, I can't do this job. I can only help your brother out." Xu Damao surrendered immediately. What a joke! Selling pork would be beneath him.

"It's okay, you'll get the hang of it with practice."

"No way, I don't want to be a butcher."

"Brother, brother, selling pork is great, then our family will have meat to eat." Xu Xiaoman joined in the fun.

"Hmm, I think it's a good idea. Da Mao, why don't you go and learn from him?" He Yuzhu joked.

"Brother Zhu, please have pity on me and spare me!" Xu Damao almost knelt down. If He Yuzhu was determined to make him learn this trade, he wouldn't be able to escape.

Xiaoman chuckled first, followed by a burst of laughter from the young and old alike.

"Hey, what are you saying? It's so lively." At this moment, Chen Lanxiang's voice came from the moon gate.

"It's nothing, we were just teasing Da Mao."

How much longer do you have?

"Almost there, Mother, is something wrong?"

"Hmm, a housekeeper has come to our house. I think he's from the Lou family. He said he needs to see you."

"The Lou family? The Lou family from the steel rolling mill?"

"Correct."

"Didn't you say what it was about?"

"They didn't say, but it seems they're here to ask you for a favor. It might be something important, that's why they're being so polite."

"Oh, please ask him to wait a moment, I'll be done right away."

"Hurry up."

"it is good."

After saying that, Chen Lanxiang left.

He Yuzhu finished processing the task as quickly as possible, then told Xu Damao to pack it up separately and distribute it later before returning to the Intermediate People's Court.

When he arrived at the Intermediate Court, he did not go directly to the main house, but went back to his own room to wash his hands and change his clothes.

Upon entering the main room of his house, one would see a middle-aged man chatting and drinking tea with his father.

As soon as the man saw him come in, he quickly stood up and said, "Section Chief He, right? Hello, I am the housekeeper of Director Lou's family at the steel rolling mill. My surname is Wu."

These words sound very polite, but they actually carry a hint of arrogance.

"Butler Wu, is it? May I ask what brings you here so suddenly?" He Yuzhu ignored him. He didn't rely on the steel mill for a living. If his father was unhappy with his job, he could just help him find another one.

Comparing He Daqing's attitude just now with He Yuzhu's current attitude, Butler Wu made up his mind. This was not someone who could be easily manipulated. He had been to the battlefield and abroad, and the title of director seemed to be of little use.

"Here's the thing, Section Chief He, my husband would like to invite you to Wu Yutai Tea House for tea."

"I don't drink tea, so please speak freely, Steward Wu."

"Master He, what do you think?" Butler Wu was speechless after being rebuked, so he turned to He Daqing for help.

"Zhu Zi, you see for yourself." Seeing his son's firm stance, He Daqing's back straightened instantly.

Butler Wu was feeling rather awkward.

"If Butler Wu knows what's going on, please go back first and ask him before you come back." With that, He Yuzhu gestured towards the door.

Steward Wu took two deep breaths, suppressing his anger, and clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Then I, Wu, will take my leave!"

"please!"

He Daqing even got up to see him off, and returned after Wu Guan's family left through the middle gate.

"Zhu Zi, aren't you offending someone?"

"What, Father, are you scared?"

"What am I afraid of?" He Daqing retorted stubbornly.

"As long as you're not afraid."

"Is it really okay?"

"If he needs something and asks me for help, he can just send a steward and I have to obediently go with him. This isn't like before liberation."

“Yes, this is not the time before liberation,” He Daqing added.

"There's another reason: I don't want to get involved in the Lou family's affairs."

"What news have you heard? Although the public-private partnership has begun, Lou Zhenhua is still a director of the steel rolling mill, the big boss!"

"I know him, Lou Bancheng, but would he dare to use that name himself?"

"Alright, as long as you know what you're doing. Now that you're capable, your father can't cover for your own affairs anymore."

After chatting for a few minutes, the father and son went to the backyard, where Xu Damao had already cleaned and put away all the meat.

He Yuzhu thought that since he was already making a fuss, he might as well set up a stove in the backyard. He would need to render lard, boil pig's head, and stew pork later, so it wouldn't be appropriate to do it in the middle yard.

They told He Daqing their idea, and then the three of them went back to change their clothes and got right to work: making bricks, mixing mud, building stoves, and erecting sheds.

There were leftover bricks when He Yuzhu cleaned up the east wing, and the soil was even simpler, as there was plenty of it in the garden of the east courtyard. The shed only needed bamboo poles and tarpaulin to keep out the rain and snow.

The four little girls were also busy running around, and in the end they all got covered in dirt and grime.

The old lady watched the group of younger people busy at work, and her smile never faded. This was what a big family should be like, lively and bustling.

At noon, He Yuzhu cooked Sichuan-style braised pork to reward the group of girls and Xu Damao, who was a laborer. It was so delicious when mixed with rice.

A group of tiny people ate so much they couldn't walk; they were so full.

The old lady kept praising the meat because she didn't have to chew it.

Then the whole family chatted and digested their food in the main room.

(End of this chapter)