Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 361 Year of Reunion

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Little New Year, the festive atmosphere in Beijing is getting stronger and stronger.

The newly renovated No. 95 courtyard gate was polished to a shine, and brand-new red lanterns hung on the lintel.

The courtyard was swept clean, freshly made sausages were drying under the eaves, and a row of cured fish and bacon hung under the eaves.

After the repairs were completed, the old lady insisted on moving back, and He Yuxin and Gong Xue were the first to arrive.

Gong Xue's transfer to the Beijing People's Art Theatre is still in progress, but she is already preparing to stay in Beijing long-term.

At that moment, she was wearing an apron and helping Chen Lanxiang fry meatballs in the kitchen.

The oil sizzled in the pan, and the golden meatballs tumbled around, filling the yard with their aroma.

"Xiaoxue, taste it to see if it's salty." Chen Lanxiang picked up one, blew on it, and held it to Gong Xue's lips.

Gong Xue carefully took a bite, and breathed out because it was hot: "Mmm, Mom, it's delicious!"

“The third brother loves this, and he can eat a whole plateful every time,” Chen Lanxiang said with a smile. “When the fifth brother comes back, there probably won’t even be enough to fill his teeth.”

Just then, the sound of brakes came from outside the courtyard gate.

Before long, He Yuxin led in a fit young man in military uniform, followed by a girl in the same uniform with short, neat hair.

"Mother! We're back!" He Yuyan's voice was loud and clear.

Chen Lanxiang quickly wiped her hands on her apron and went out to greet them: "Oh, you've finally arrived! Was the journey smooth? Baige, come inside quickly, it's cold outside!"

Zhou Baige smiled and handed over a cloth bag: "Mom, Yuyan and I brought some mushrooms from over there. They make a really delicious soup."

"You two got your marriage certificate?" Chen Lanxiang asked in surprise.

"Yes, it's been approved, so we've received it."

Why didn't you tell your family?

"It's inconvenient to contact you," He Yuyan said.

"You brat!" Chen Lanxiang kicked He Yuyan as soon as she stepped forward.

He turned to Zhou Baige and said, "Girl, I'm sorry to have wronged you."

"Mom, don't feel wronged. Many people in the army do it this way. There aren't that many rules."

"That's good, hurry, hurry inside and warm up!" Chen Lanxiang had He Yuxin take the things and pulled Zhou Baige into the house.

"Xiaoxue, watch the pot first. I'll come over and fry the meatballs for you after I put the food down," He Yuxin said.

"it is good."

This is the kitchen in the front yard, and the kitchen in the middle yard. He Daqing and his son He Yuzhu are preparing food for the Lunar New Year. He Yuzhu's family has only been back for a few days, and they've all been mobilized for a big shopping spree.

After He Yuyan and Zhou Baige had greeted everyone, He Yuzhu assigned him a task.

"Yu Yan, you and Yao Zu drive to the airport."

"Going to the airport, why?"

"Pick up your fourth brother and sister-in-law."

"They're back too?"

"Well, I'm back!"

"Okay, okay, Yaozu, Yaozu, where are you? Come out quickly!" He Yuyan shouted.

"Here you are, Fifth Uncle!" He Yaozu jogged over, wearing a sweater.

"Come on, go out with me."

"I haven't put on my coat yet!"

"Go put it on quickly, I'll wait for you at the door."

"it is good."

Before long, He Yaozu dressed and rushed out the door, followed by He Ningxue who shouted, "Big brother, where are you going!"

"I don't know either, my fifth uncle told me to go outside!" Then I heard the sound of a car starting up outside.

"Hmph, you didn't even take me with you when you went out."

"Ningxue, go and talk to the old lady," Xiaoman said.

"Baige, you should come too," Xiaoman said when she saw that Zhou Baige also wanted to go into the kitchen.

"Sister-in-law, I can help too."

"I can only be an assistant. Do you think our father and your older brother need us?"

Zhou Baige glanced at the kitchen door, stuck out her tongue, and thought, "The father and son are too professional. We shouldn't embarrass ourselves with our skills." Then she quickly caught up with He Ningxue.

Before long, laughter and cheerful voices came from the backyard.

Besides, He Yuyan and He Yaozu were driving, and He Yuyan didn't know the way very well, so He Yaozu gave her directions the whole way.

"Fifth Uncle, let me drive, you..."

"I finally get a chance to work, and you're trying to take it from me?" He Yuyan said.

"You didn't have a car while you were in the army?"

“I only have the right to ride in the truck bed,” He Yuyan said.

"No way, didn't you get promoted?"

"What kind of officer is a deputy company commander?" He Yuyan asked.

"At least it manages about a hundred people."

"I am the third in command."

"I never imagined my fifth uncle was such a power-hungry official."

"You haven't heard the saying, 'A soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier.'"

"Oh ho, Fifth Uncle, you want to be a general, huh?"

"It's still early," He Yuyan said.

The father and son chatted and laughed all the way to the airport. Although they were father and son, they had actually grown up together since childhood and were not much different in age. They just hadn't seen each other much in recent years, as they each had their own studies and jobs. So, they naturally had a lot to talk about.

After waiting for a while at the airport, He Yuyao and Cherie Chung were seen pushing large bags and small packages out.

"Fourth Brother, over here, over here!" He Yuyan's shout was quite loud, as he shouted the command.

People around turned to look, and the shout naturally caught He Yuyao's attention. He yelled "Awooo!" and dropped his luggage to run over.

"Yu Yan, I've missed you so much."

"Fourth Brother, I miss you too!"

The two brothers hugged each other tightly, their backs slapping each other loudly.

He Yaozu ran over to push He Yuyao's luggage, and called out when he got there, "Fourth Aunt!"

"Yaozu, is that your fifth uncle?"

"correct."

"How do you resemble your third and fourth uncles?"

"Hehe, my dad said that my fifth uncle was the best-looking person in his generation."

"That's true, didn't he go to join the army?"

"They only arrived today, and my dad sent them here to pick them up."

"How long has it been since they last saw each other?"

"It's been almost five years!"

"So long!"

Reaching the spot where the two brothers had embraced, He Yuyao took Chung Chuh-hung's hand and said, "Chuh-hung, this is my fifth brother, He Yuyan."

"Hello, Fourth Sister-in-law!"

"Good, good, Fifth Brother looks really energetic," Chung Chu-hung praised.

"hey-hey!"

"Fourth Uncle and Fifth Uncle should go home soon. Grandpa, Grandma and my dad must be getting anxious waiting at home. You wouldn't believe it, those two have been busy in the kitchen since early this morning."

"Then we're in for a treat today. It's been so long since your dad cooked."

"Hmm, I checked the ingredients, and today they're all my signature dishes."

"Let's go, let's go, hurry up, I can't wait any longer." He Yuyao pulled Chung Chuh-hung away.

He Yuyan and He Yaozu laughed as they pushed the luggage behind them.

“You, your brother and nephew are still behind you,” Chung Chu-hung said.

"What's there to be afraid of? We're all family."

When I returned to courtyard number 95, it was already dusk, and the courtyard was bustling with noise and excitement.

As He Yuyao entered the hanging flower gate, he shouted, "Father, Mother, I've brought my wife back!"

A group of people rushed out of the house. Chen Lanxiang said, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. We're finally reunited."

Since He Yuyan and He Yuzhu returned to the mainland, this is the first time the He family has been able to gather so completely, and they have also gained quite a few members.

"Dad, Mom, eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law, second sister, second brother-in-law, third brother, third sister-in-law," Chung Chu-hung called out to them one by one. When she got to Zhou Baige, she paused for a moment and then said, "This is my fifth sister-in-law's father. He's really handsome!"

"Fourth Sister-in-law, you look beautiful too!" Zhou Baige said with a smile.

"Hurry up and come inside! It's so cold outside!" Chen Lanxiang shouted.

As everyone entered the house, Chen Lanxiang began issuing orders again: "Old man, Zhuzi, it's your turn to show off your skills."

"Alright, the two of us will go right now," He Daqing said. "Come on, Zhuzi, your old man will be your assistant today!"

"How about we switch to the third and fourth brothers?"

"Come on, with their skill level, let's not waste what we've prepared."

"Hahahaha!" Everyone in the room laughed.

In the large kitchen of the courtyard, He Daqing and He Yuzhu, father and son, got to work. The sounds of pots and pans clattering and sizzling as they fried food mingled together, filling the air with a delicious aroma.

He Yaozu, He Yaozong, He Ningxue and the others were sent over by Chen Lanxiang to serve the dishes.

Two large round tables were set up in the main hall of the courtyard.

Cold dishes, stir-fries, stews, and soups were served one after another, quickly filling the table to the brim.

Finally, He Daqing served the braised fish, symbolizing "abundance year after year," and the New Year's Eve dinner officially began.

He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang sat in the main seats, looking at their children and grandchildren, their faces filled with undisguised joy.

"Now that everyone's here, aren't you going to say a few words, Grandma?"

"Shall we say a few words?"

"Speak!" everyone shouted in unison.

"Okay, then I wish you success in your careers and progress in your studies, and I wish our family harmony and happiness, and all things going well!" The old lady raised her glass.

"Good!" everyone shouted again. "Cheer up!"

"Dry!"

Then, Grandpa Chen, He Daqing, and Chen Lanxiang offered their blessings.

As the eldest son, He Yuzhu was also called upon to say a few words.

He Yuzhu didn't mince words: "I wish our He family continued prosperity, and that all of you who are married can have as many children as you want, we're not worried about not being able to afford to raise them!"

"Hahaha, big brother, we're not afraid of being fined, we're afraid of losing our jobs!" He Yuyan joked.

"You two are fine, but the rest should be okay, right?"

"No problem!" He Yuxin and He Yuyao cheered, making Gong Xue and Zhong Chuhong blush.

"What Zhu Zi said is true. Only with a large and prosperous family can the family line be guaranteed." The old lady nodded with a smile.

Then came the clinking of glasses and constant laughter.

He Yuzhu's cooking skills made everyone stuffed, especially He Yuyan and Zhou Baige, who really didn't make much money outside.

After dinner, the women started cleaning up, while the men made tea and began chatting.

After the women finished tidying up, they went into the inner room to chat, and the room was filled with a warm and lively atmosphere.

After chatting for a while, the old lady got tired and went to rest early. After she left, someone suggested playing a few rounds of games. A table was set up both inside and outside, and they played until almost midnight before going to rest.

The next day, He Yuyao suggested going out to play, and even He Yushui went along for the fun, leaving the child to Chen Lanxiang to take care of.

The two cars drove off to the Great Wall. After Chen Lanxiang and the others left, they complained that they didn't feel cold.

He Yuzhu and Xiaoman didn't go; young people have their own way of having fun.

The two of them went to Lao Fang's courtyard. Lao Fang had already retired from his frontline position, so he didn't have to work during the Spring Festival.

"Zhu Zi, you've come. Why did you bring so much stuff?"

“If I don’t deliver it, who will? What’s the point of you being all alone? I’ll invite you to my house, but you won’t come.”

“Your whole family is having a reunion, why would I go? I’ll go on the third or fourth day of the Lunar New Year.”

"No, you're coming with me on the 30th. Are you planning to spend the holiday alone?"

"I'm used to it."

"What do you mean by 'getting used to'? You didn't have time before, and there was no one to keep you company. Does my family need another pair of chopsticks from you?"

"That's right, Uncle Fang, go ahead, it'll be more fun with more people," Xiaoman chimed in, offering her support.

"Let me think!"

"What are you thinking about? I'll have Yu Yan come pick you up on the afternoon of the 30th."

"They're back?"

"Yes, they arrived yesterday. Our whole family is complete this year," He Yuzhu said.

"It's good that everyone is here, it's good that everyone is here!"

“Then I’ll go back and tell my family. You can let the nanny go home and rest too.”

"Oh well!"

The couple had lunch with Lao Fang, and Lao Fang thoroughly enjoyed it.

On the 25th of the twelfth lunar month, while the others went out to play, He Yuzhu and Xiaoman went to Wang Hongxia's house again, bringing a trunk full of New Year's goods.

"Zhu Zi, you're here, why bring so much stuff? We don't need anything at home."

“Aunt Xia, your family’s property is your family’s property, and what I gave you is what I gave you. How can they be the same?”

"You're such a talker, you're so old, yet you still act like a child."

“Yes, I’m fifty already!” He Yuzhu exclaimed dramatically.

"I really didn't realize that you looked younger than Sheng Li, and so does Xiao Man."

"No way!" Xiaoman laughed.

After chatting for a while, He Yuzhu and his wife politely declined Wang Hongxia's invitation to stay for dinner and took their leave.

Time flew by and it was already the 28th of the lunar year. Old Zhao returned and called He Yuzhu. He Daqing immediately invited Old Zhao's family to come over for a get-together.

Old Zhao didn't stand on ceremony and came with his people. He Yuzhu also brought Old Fang over. There were more than twenty people, and it was quite a lively gathering. The main hall in the courtyard was set up directly, while the women and children set up a table in the side room.

After dinner, it turned into a nostalgic gathering, with conversations going back and forth from before the liberation to the present. The old lady even stayed up until everyone left before going back to her room, and she dozed off several times in between.

The 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, Lunar New Year's Eve.

The city was immersed in a peaceful and festive atmosphere, with firecrackers starting sporadically from early morning and becoming more frequent in the afternoon.

In courtyard number 95, the atmosphere of the New Year was even stronger than before.

He Yuzhu and He Daqing remain the mainstays of the kitchen, working non-stop since noon.

The stove fire was burning brightly, and all sorts of semi-finished ingredients were piled up on the cutting board.

This year's reunion dinner is of extraordinary significance, as the father and son are putting in their best efforts to prepare an unprecedentedly sumptuous New Year's Eve feast.

He Yuyan, He Yuyao, and a few others were assigned to put up Spring Festival couplets and hang up the character "福" (fortune).

He Yaozu, He Yaozong, and a few other younger members of the family helped out, moving stools and handing out paste, running around the yard happily.

The vermilion gate was adorned with a gilded couplet that read, "May Heaven add years to your life and may spring fill the universe and may blessings fill your door." The window lattices were covered with exquisite paper-cut window decorations, and even the pillars under the corridor were wrapped with colorful lace.

Chen Lanxiang led Xiaoman, Gong Xue, Zhou Baige, Zhong Chuhong and other wives and daughters to set up a large cutting board in the main room to start kneading dough and preparing fillings for making dumplings for New Year's Eve.

Pork and cabbage, chives and eggs, and three kinds of seafood fillings were prepared, a total of three or four kinds.

The women chatted and laughed as they worked, their hands busy with their tasks.

Around three or four o'clock in the afternoon, He Yuyan indeed drove to pick up Lao Fang.

Old Fang brought two bottles of fine wine, saying he had treasured them for years and saved them specifically for today.

Upon hearing the news, He Daqing came out of the kitchen, marveling at the wine and praising Lao Fang for his generosity.

As the sun set, He Yuzhu called out, "Get the tables ready!"

Eight cold dishes were served first: braised beef, aspic, fried peanuts, shredded jellyfish salad, sweet and sour radish salad, assorted sausages, spiced smoked fish, and poached chicken. Just looking at them made one's mouth water.

The two television sets in the main room of the courtyard were already turned on. Although the Spring Festival Gala had not yet started, the festive music and special programs playing on them had already created a lively atmosphere.

This time, no separate rooms were assigned. Two large round tables were placed in the main room, and a large round table was also set up on the kang (heated brick bed) in the inner room. It was specially modified, and the bowls, chopsticks, and wine cups were arranged neatly.

As darkness fell completely, hot dishes began to be served one after another: glistening and fragrant braised pork knuckle, golden and crispy fried meatballs, auspicious braised sea cucumber with scallions, rich and flavorful four-happiness meatballs, tender and fresh steamed sea bass, fatty but not greasy braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens, and bright red braised prawns. Finally, He Yuzhu personally carried out a large blue and white porcelain basin containing a steaming, fragrant "Family Reunion" casserole with bubbling milk broth. It contained egg dumplings, meatballs, quail eggs, mushrooms, vermicelli, and cabbage—a rich and steaming dish.

"May you have abundance every year!" He Daqing then served the huge braised carp, placing it in the center of the table, symbolizing a prosperous and auspicious family.

"Dinner's ready!" With He Daqing's loud and clear voice, the whole family of more than twenty people took their seats in order of age, and the children were also arranged to sit in special seats.

The table was clinking with cups and saucers, a dazzling array that left almost no empty space.

On the television, the Spring Festival Gala started on time, and the cheerful opening song and dance instantly brought the festive atmosphere in the room to a climax.

As the head of the family, He Daqing raised his glass first, his voice tinged with emotion: "This year, our family has finally reunited! Everyone, young and old, is here! I'm so happy! I won't say anything else, just wishing our family an even better year ahead, and everyone peace, safety, and success! Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone stood up, their glasses clinking together with a crisp sound, and everyone's face beamed with a happy smile.

Everyone enjoyed the wonderful Spring Festival Gala performances while savoring a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner.

He Yuzhu's culinary skills once again won over everyone's taste buds, and everyone enjoyed the meal immensely.

The men clinked glasses and chatted about national affairs and work experiences; the women passed food to each other and talked about family matters and parenting tips; the children stared at their favorite dishes, their little mouths stuffed full.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, the dumpling filling and dough were served.

The women left their seats and began deftly making dumplings on the nearby cutting board.

Even Zhou Baige and Cherie Chung rolled up their sleeves to try making bags, though their shapes were a bit clumsy.

He Yuyan went over to cause trouble, but Chen Lanxiang laughed and chased her away with a rolling pin.

Just as the clock was about to strike midnight, the dumplings were all wrapped, and the plump, white, ingot-shaped dumplings were neatly arranged on the bamboo mat.

On television, the Spring Festival Gala hosts began leading the audience in a countdown: "Ten, nine, eight, seven..."

He Daqing and He Yuzhu had already gotten up and gone to the kitchen to boil a large pot of water.

"Two, one! Happy New Year!"

The New Year's bells rang! In an instant, the entire city of Beijing seemed to be set ablaze, with deafening firecrackers surging in from all directions, and dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky outside the window from time to time.

"Time to make dumplings!" He Yuzhu shouted from the kitchen.

Gong Xue and Zhou Baige quickly carried the dumplings into the kitchen. In the boiling water, the dumplings bobbed and tumbled like white geese entering the water.

Chen Lanxiang was busy calling to the children: "Quick, quick, let's go outside and set off firecrackers!"

The men carried a large tray of firecrackers and fireworks to the open space in the central courtyard, with their wives following behind.

Upon arriving at the entrance, it was naturally the brothers He Yaozu and He Yaozong who lit the fireworks. He Ningxue also lit some fireworks, while He Yuyao and He Yuyan joined in the fun with their nephews and nieces, vying to light the fireworks themselves.

"Crackling sounds—bang! Smash!"

Red firecracker paper scraps exploded and flew everywhere, filling the air with the familiar smell of gunpowder—the most profound taste of the New Year in the memories of all Chinese people.

Brilliant fireworks streaked into the night sky, bursting into colorful blooms that reflected the joyful smiles on everyone's faces.

The dumplings were cooked and served steaming hot.

The family sat down together again to eat New Year's Eve dumplings, a symbol of reunion and good fortune.

Several dumplings contained coins, and whoever found one was said to have good luck in the coming year, eliciting gasps and laughter from everyone.

After eating dumplings, it was already late at night. The elderly and children couldn't stay up any longer and were gradually put to bed.

The others, however, remained wide awake, sitting together to keep watch over the New Year, watching the rebroadcast of the Spring Festival Gala, cracking melon seeds and peanuts, drinking tea, playing mahjong, and continuing their seemingly endless everyday conversations.

Early in the morning on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

He Yaozu, He Yaozong, and He Ningxue, carrying He Yushui's daughter Yang Sibei, dressed in brand-new clothes, excitedly ran to each room to wish their elders a Happy New Year.

"Madam, Happy New Year to Great-Grandpa!"

Happy New Year, Grandpa and Grandma! Wishing you good health and all the best!

Happy New Year to my second aunt and uncle!

Happy New Year, Uncle and Aunt!

"Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt"

Fifth Uncle and Fifth Aunt

……

As for He Yushui's child, who can't speak yet, he laughed all the way.

Each New Year's greeting is met with a bulging red envelope stuffed with lucky money.

The adults also exchanged New Year's greetings, saying auspicious words such as "Happy New Year" and "Wishing you prosperity."

In the courtyard, the red paper from the firecrackers set off last night covered a thick layer, resembling a festive red carpet.

(End of this chapter)