Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 184 The Most Difficult Year Has Arrived

The couple had three days of honeymoon leave, and He Yuzhu decided to take Xiaoman out for a trip. They couldn't go to far places, so they went to the neighborhood office to get a letter of introduction and took a train straight to Tianjin.

First, he wanted to revisit the place where they first met and pay respects at Xiaoman's mother's grave. Second, He Yuzhu planned to visit his old comrades-in-arms. His two previous trips to Tianjin hadn't been in vain; he had managed to find out the location of the 141st Regiment.

Xiaoman didn't want to see Tanggu after just a quick look around. Apart from her acquaintance with He Yuzhu, this place only brought her suffering.

The two went to Xiaoman's mother's grave again and tidied up the grave. Xiaoman cried her heart out, saying that she had been doing well after meeting He Yuzhu, and now she was married and her child would be fine. Xiaoman talked on and on in front of the grave.

He Yuzhu assured his mother-in-law that he would definitely treat Xiaoman well in the future.

As Xiaoman was leaving, she looked back several times. He Yuzhu said, "If we have time in the future, let's come here every year."

"Okay," Xiaoman said softly.

On the way to the 141st Regiment, He Yuzhu was still a little uneasy. He didn't know if any of the old company commander Liang Jian, political instructor Zhao Qing, old squad leader Hu Sanxi, and deputy squad leader Zheng Shuanzi were still alive, or whether the political instructor, who was seriously injured at the time, had participated in the later battles.

When they arrived, He Yuzhu only met Liang Jian and Zheng Shuanzi. Liang Jian was now a battalion commander, and Zheng Shuanzi was a deputy company commander. After meeting, Zheng Shuanzi hugged He Yuzhu and cried and laughed. They later inquired in many ways and only learned that He Yuzhu was not dead when he returned to China. However, they could not find out where He Yuzhu was, which was a thorn in their hearts.

The 6th Army never awarded He Yuzhu the merits he deserved, and Liang Jian made countless trips to address this issue.

He Yuzhu then asked the instructor Zhao Qing and the old squad leader Hu Sanxi. Although Zhao Qing returned to the battlefield after recovering from his injuries, he was still seriously injured. After returning to China, he was demobilized and returned to his hometown. His family was in southern Shanxi. Company Commander Liang Jian said that he went to the county's public security bureau and was doing well.

Hu Sanxi is getting old. After returning to China, he retired from the army and went back to his rural hometown in Henan. I don't know how he is doing now, as he hasn't written to me much.

He Yuzhu asked for their addresses, but he didn't have time to go there. He thought he would send some things when he got back.

When asked about He Yuzhu's marriage, the two first offered their congratulations and then asked for a gift, which He Yuzhu firmly refused, saying that they were both married and had children, and that their lives were not easy.

They didn't drink any more alcohol, but had a meal and talked a lot. However, none of them wanted to talk about what happened on the battlefield. After the meal, He Yuzhu left with Xiaoman.

He Yuzhu asked for their home addresses, but they didn't give them to him. They said that if he left the army, they would write to him and then give him their addresses. He Yuzhu knew perfectly well that they were afraid he would send things or something. During their conversation, the two of them learned that He Yuzhu was doing well in Beijing, but He Yuzhu didn't mention his rank.

Having come to Tianjin, there was no reason not to take his wife to see Yuan Taihong, after all, he was a legitimate master of martial arts. He Yuzhu brought some things with him, mainly grains, thirty catties each of coarse and fine grains.

Xiaoman didn't ask where He Yuzhu got his things at all. She was used to it. Twelve years ago, He Yuzhu could get all sorts of things. As for how he got them, she just knew that her brother Zhu wouldn't do anything bad.

Seeing He Yuzhu carrying so many things, Yuan Taihong complained. He wanted He Yuzhu to take them away, but the family was indeed short of food.

He was starting to regret giving the red envelope too early; he wished he had put more money in it.

When offered more money, He Yuzhu refused outright, explaining that he hadn't served his master properly over the years, nor had he attended his master's important birthday celebrations, so this small amount of food was nothing to him.

He Yuzhu also went to Zhu Ziheng's place, as they would need to get grain from him later. He also introduced Xiaoman, since Xiaoman was still in the Ministry of Trade, and they might have to deal with her at work in the future.

Of course, the main topic is the next batch of grain. In fact, Zhu Ziheng and his team have increased their unplanned purchases. The domestic shortage is too great, and they will consume as much as they can transport.

Zhu Ziheng asked He Yuzhu if he could handle the next batch of fifty tons. He Yuzhu didn't answer immediately, saying he would ask when he got back. Zhu Ziheng just nodded. More than ten thousand yuan was a lot of money. He Yuzhu agreed on the spot, which made him feel strange.

Afterwards, He Yuzhu and Xiaoman returned to Beijing. It was the last day of their holiday, so the couple spent some time together before going back to work the next day.

When He Yuzhu went to work, he went to see Lao Zhao and talked about the grain. Lao Zhao said directly that even if they brought in twice the amount, it would be enough to handle, and there was no need to ask.

Many people called, even the grain bureau wanted to try to get through to them, but Old Zhao dared not agree. He told them to negotiate themselves. They were supplying the entire city of Beijing, two or three million people, which would be a huge shortfall.

He Yuzhu called Zhu Ziheng directly. Zhu Ziheng said he could only provide 50 meals. He Yuzhu also mentioned that he asked Zhu Ziheng to tell his colleagues in Cambodia to look for cassava for sale. Of course, they should negotiate the price themselves; it couldn't be too expensive, since it was just a substitute.

Zhu Ziheng didn't know what it was. After asking around for a while, he learned that it was ground into starch like potatoes and sweet potatoes. He was overjoyed and said he would definitely get his hands on it.

He Yuzhu didn't handle the fifty tons of grain himself; he used wire transfer. As for the grain from the railway, he had them handle the handover directly with the grain import and export authorities.

With New Year's Day over and the Lunar New Year just around the corner, this batch of grain wasn't immediately distributed to various units after it arrived. Instead, it was stored in warehouses. But what will be distributed during the Lunar New Year?

As He Yuzhu became more familiar with his work, he also became acquainted with the various departments, such as the meat processing plant and the supply and marketing cooperative.

Their company doesn't need to beg for favors like those in steel rolling mills, since the Industry and Commerce Bureau oversees those companies.

He Yuzhu also asked if they could get some meat and non-staple foods for the New Year, and the two units looked very worried.

People are starving these days, so where can we get feed for pigs? Grain can't even be grown, and there's no other food available.

"At least there were some people left last year," He Yuzhu sighed inwardly. "The most difficult year is here. I hope fewer people starve to death."

He's not some saint, but he really can't stand those who don't get what they can get and those who give away what they shouldn't, causing their own people to die.

The food was purchased without much foreign exchange expenditure, and it should have saved many lives. However, he doesn't know how much was given out, and it will likely be reduced.

As for the warehouse that He Yuzhu wanted, he planned to use it before the new year, as he needed to get rid of some of the things in his space.

He has stored a lot of corn, eggs, chicken, and fish in his storage space, but his family can't finish them all. Does he intend to save them for decades to come?

He went to find Wang Hongxia first.

"Zhu Zi, what brings you here?"

"What, Aunt Xia doesn't welcome me? Then I'll leave!"

"Stop right there, you brat! I just asked you a question and you're already giving me attitude!"

He Yuzhu turned around and sat down.

"Speak up, what's up? You're a busy man, you must have something to say to me."

"That's good news," He Yuzhu said.

"Oh, the food supply has increased? We've been getting more and more people coming to the neighborhood office lately, all complaining about difficulties."

"No."

"What good thing could there be?" Wang Hongxia sighed in disappointment. Her doorstep had been almost worn down recently, all because of the demand for food.

"Do you want chicken and eggs?" He Yuzhu asked in a low voice.

"What?" Wang Hongxia exclaimed, then glanced at the door and whispered, "It really exists. How many? And they're from somewhere legitimate, right?"

"Five hundred chickens, two thousand catties of eggs, one thousand catties of fish, and some unground corn. Don't worry about where they came from; my comrades helped with the arrangements."

"You have comrades who do this?"

"Yes, you know, I have quite a few comrades who have risked their lives for me."

"Keep showing off."

"hey-hey."

"When will the goods arrive? Why don't you use your own company's system? Is this something you're in charge of?"

“Our unit definitely needs them, but you were the first person I thought of.”

"You're so sweet-talking. You've given me too much; I can't eat it all."

"Is the neighborhood office out of money?"

"No, these things are in high demand. At the current prices outside, I really can't afford to buy them all."

"In that case, just offer the highest price you can."

"Won't your comrades suffer losses?"

"I compensated them separately."

"Use grain?"

He Yuzhu nodded.

"Zhu Zi, what can I say to you? What are you trying to achieve by doing all this?"

"It's just a small effort; I can't handle anything that's truly beyond my capabilities." "Is this the only batch, or are there more to come?"

"This is the only batch for now; it must have been accumulating for a long time."

"I'll take it all, but save some for me. I can't eat it all. I'll find someone else to eat with me. Oh, and you should also ask your Aunt Ping about it. They have a lot of work to do. I heard recently that quite a few people have fainted while on duty, from malnutrition and hunger."

"Yes, I'll ask."

"Is there anything else? If not, I'll go make the contact. By the way, when will the items arrive?"

"Tomorrow or the day after."

"Okay, and don't worry, Auntie will keep it a secret for you. We'll use the warehouse I found for you, right?"

"Correct."

"The items have arrived. Bring me the keys. You don't need to worry about the rest. The money will be there. I won't let you do the work and then have to pay out of pocket."

"Okay, then I'm leaving."

When he got back that night, he went to see Wang Cuiping again. Wang Cuiping was overjoyed. She had heard some inside information about the grain procurement in the bureau, that the distribution channel was through the Industry and Commerce Bureau, and she knew that it was inseparable from He Yuzhu.

Of course, He Yuzhu couldn't let her clash with Wang Hongxia's group, so he suggested another time.

As for his own workplace, he reported it to Lao Zhao, who told him to handle it himself, but to be careful when taking it back.

He had just returned to his office when Lao Zhao called, telling him to move the items to a warehouse that the bureau had seized outside, as bringing them back to the bureau would be too conspicuous.

After contacting several companies, He Yuzhu then went to see He Daqing. He didn't want to sell to the steel rolling mill; he couldn't afford to supply the steel rolling mill with its volume.

He wanted to ask He Daqing if he was still in contact with the clients who had served banquets for him before. He wanted to exchange his money for gold. He didn't have much money to do with, so why should he save it for decades to come?

He Daqing was stunned when he heard this. Their company's canteen had been shut down, and the main canteen hadn't seen any meat for months. Keep in mind, this was a large factory with nearly 10,000 employees.

"Pillar, is it possible?"

"No, Dad, don't you know what's going on at your factory? There are too many people gossiping. Besides, what good would it do you? Forget about being the logistics director, it's hopeless. You don't have the qualifications or the degree."

"What qualifications?"

"What did your director do before? What have I, your son, been doing all these years?"

"Eh!" He Daqing immediately deflated.

"Let's just live our own lives." He Yuzhu said helplessly. How did his father become so obsessed with officialdom? It seems that no one can control him anymore, and he has changed his ways.

"Okay, I got it. I'll go ask for you. By the way, what do you need so much gold for?"

"You don't need to worry about that."

"You don't want the money? What about the antiques?"

"A little money is fine, but spending all of it in cash is not an option. Can we even spend money these days? And what about antiques? Do you know more about them than I do?"

"Yeah, I'll go for a run."

"Don't tell my mother about this, so she won't worry."

"Do you think I'm stupid?"

"No."

When will it be available?

"Make sure you've made the arrangements and can ship the goods anytime. Make sure it's reliable, so you don't end up being sold off later."

"Don't worry, I won't do any unreliable banquets. You know their status."

Before the Lunar New Year, He Yuzhu basically dealt with these matters besides his own work. Of course, he wouldn't show up as the seller, but he did act as the buyer once.

His father only started selling the food after processing a large quantity, and he even got a tricycle for it. He Daqing didn't have any proper culinary apprentices, so Xu Damao was conscripted again.

Of course, he also received benefits, not only things but also money.

Xu Damao gave some of the goods to his father's family, and quietly took the rest back to the compound.

Before the Lunar New Year, He Yuzhu's assets skyrocketed, with cash alone exceeding ten thousand yuan and gold worth over a hundred taels. Don't underestimate those old-fashioned people; they're rich.

This was only because He Daqing had screened the customers repeatedly; otherwise, he could have gotten back five hundred taels of silver.

There were even pre-orders, saying they'd come back to He Daqing after they finished eating. He Daqing didn't dare agree; this way of getting the goods had scared him half to death. At the same time, he admired his son's ability. These days, how could ordinary people get these things?

As for his family, He Daqing naturally took some back quietly. There was no reason for him to sell it to others while his own family couldn't have enough.

The three of them renovated the large stove in the backyard, turning it into a small, enclosed kitchen. They even changed the chimney, all to reduce the smell of food being cooked.

He Yuzhu used a tricycle to bring large vats home several times. When people asked, he said they were for storing water. Then, a row of large vats appeared in the east wing of the backyard, containing pickled vegetables and sauerkraut.

Before they knew it, it was the Spring Festival of 1960. Before the New Year, He Yuzhu produced another batch of items, even more than the first time, which brought in nearly 20,000 yuan, more than 200 taels of gold, and some rare and valuable antiques and calligraphy. All of these had been appraised by He Daqing. Those families really couldn't afford the money and gold, so He Yuzhu reluctantly accepted them.

As for Lao Fang's side, it wasn't that He Yuzhu didn't want to help them, but that he didn't dare—it was too special.

On New Year's Eve, there were far fewer firecrackers outside than in previous years, when every family was happy during the New Year.

This year, everyone is looking miserable. No one can smell the aroma of meat when cooking. It's a blessing if you can make a vegetable dumpling. Without white flour, you can't even make dumplings. Most families are just making cornmeal porridge and pickled vegetables.

Old Yan has lost interest in writing couplets this year because he hasn't received any gifts. But in the end, he still has to write them, because a penny or two is never too little, right?

Old He's family moved their reunion dinner directly to the old lady's house in the backyard. They had a lot of good stuff at their house; He Yuzhu brought back chicken, duck, fish, and meat. Eating at Old He's house would be too conspicuous.

During the Chinese New Year, He Yuzhu and Xiaoman were even pressured to have a baby.

When the children were not around, the old lady spoke first: "Zhuzi, you and Xiaoman should focus on the children. I'm still able to move around and can help take care of them."

“Yes, it just so happens that Xiao Wu is a bit older now, and Mom has more time. You just need to give birth, and Mom will take care of raising the children.”

He Yuzhu said, "Madam, Mother, we've only been married for a short time. How can things be so fast? Besides, in this situation, would it be better to give birth and suffer?"

"What do you know, you big man? Can't our family support one child? Things weren't much better before, but we still managed to raise all of you. What do you say, Xiaoman?"

Xiaoman blushed deeply and didn't know what to say.

"Mother, having a child involves two people. Do you think she can just give birth by herself?"

"Didn't I just tell you?"

"Mom, I understand," Xiaoman said quickly, afraid that the mother and daughter would start arguing again.

"Yes, then Mom will be looking forward to holding her grandson this year."

"."

Back in the room that evening, Xiaoman took the initiative, much to He Yuzhu's surprise that being pressured to have a child would have this effect.

Afterwards, he asked Xiaoman, "Are you in such a hurry to have a child?"

"Yes, I like children too."

"Okay, then I'll try harder and hope to have a healthy baby boy this year."

"ah."

(End of this chapter)