In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Yang Guangming always kept his grandfather, who lived in the old house, in his heart.

In those years of scarcity, he couldn't give too much help at once, for fear of causing unnecessary trouble, so he set a routine of visiting about once a week.

Every time he went to visit, he would try his best to prepare some food, or some rare dried fruit and snacks, to show his filial piety and add some flavor to his grandfather's hard life.

The day after successfully completing the first secret mission, the weather was fine, and there was nothing else to do.

After a simple breakfast in the early morning, he shouldered his worn-out bamboo basket and, bathed in the morning light, headed once again to the large courtyard where his grandfather lived.

As he reached the entrance of the alley, he habitually stopped and scanned his surroundings to make sure no one was paying attention.

Immediately, he quickly immersed his consciousness into the space, and with a slight thought, the items he had prepared were quietly transferred into the bamboo basket on his back.

In addition to five kilograms of rice and five kilograms of cornmeal, he specially added two bottles of honey and two kilograms of fragrant fried dough twists.

Honey nourishes and moisturizes the lungs, making it especially suitable for the elderly; the fried dough twists are crispy and satisfying, a perfect treat for Grandpa and his cousins ​​who rarely see oily food.

He carefully placed the rice and flour at the bottom of the bamboo basket, and then gently placed the honey bottle and fried dough twists on top. He covered them with a clean but faded blue cloth before stepping towards the familiar yet slightly dilapidated courtyard.

Just as they reached the courtyard gate, before even stepping over the threshold, a sharp, piercing noise, mixed with a woman's tearful protests and a child's frightened cries, all rushed out at once.

Yang Guangming's brows furrowed suddenly, his heart sank, and he quickened his pace, stepping into the courtyard.

In the small courtyard, two young men dressed in sloppy short jackets and looking like hooligans were blocking the doorway of the main house, spitting as they shouted arrogantly.

Grandpa Yang Hanzhang's face was ashen, his withered hands gripping a wooden stick that served as a cane, struggling to support himself at the doorway, his chest heaving violently with suppressed anger.

Grandma huddled behind Grandpa, her face filled with fear, her hands gripping the hem of her dark coat tightly.

The second and third aunts stood a little further away, their faces pale, trying to argue with the two thugs, but their voices trembled slightly with fear, making them sound weak.

Several younger cousins ​​were so frightened by the scene that they hid behind their mother, their little faces pressed against her clothes, not daring to even breathe.

There were several other renting neighbors in the courtyard, all standing at a distance. Although their faces showed indignation, none of them dared to step forward to speak up. They just watched helplessly and nervously.

"You old bastard, don't push your luck!"

A tall, thin thug with a greasy mustache stood with his hands on his hips, tilted his head, and spoke in an extremely arrogant tone, "Who on this street doesn't know? Your house, every few days you can smell the aroma of rice! You must be hiding some good stuff!"

If you know what's good for you, hurry up and lend it to me in a pinch! Once I'm financially secure, I'm sure I'll forget all the favors you've done for me.

Another, shorter, stouter thug with a hideous scar on his face chimed in sarcastically:
"Exactly! In these chaotic times of war, instead of sharing the food with everyone, people hoard it all for themselves. Aren't they afraid of choking on their own food?"

Let's share this so everyone can benefit. We're all neighbors, so let's help each other out!
We're not taking it for nothing; we'll definitely pay it back in the future!

The word "still" was uttered so casually that anyone could hear the shameless undertone in it.

Yang Guangming instantly understood the whole story.

He must have been the one who regularly brought them food. Although the adults in the family had repeatedly and sternly told the children to keep their mouths shut, the children were still young. Occasionally, when they ate something good at their grandfather's house, they would get carried away while playing outside and let the secret slip.

The rumors reached the ears of these thugs who specialized in extortion and had a keen sense of smell, and coupled with the aroma of rice wafting from the house from time to time, they came knocking on the door like flies attracted by a fishy smell, trying to bully and extort money from the residents.

At this moment, the two uncles who were the pillars of the family had gone out to work early in the morning and were not at home, leaving only the elderly, women and children, who naturally became easy targets in the eyes of these bullies.

When the whole family saw Yang Guangming carrying a bamboo basket into the yard, their eyes immediately focused on him, as if they had suddenly seen their pillar of support in the endless darkness. Their eyes were filled with anticipation, worry, and a faint glimmer of hope.

Grandpa Yang Hanzhang's cloudy old eyes revealed deep worry. His lips moved a few times, as if he wanted to remind his grandson of something, but he swallowed it back.

The second and third aunts, as if grasping at a straw, cried out in tearful voices, "Guangming! You've finally come!"

The two thugs naturally noticed the newcomer, Yang Guangming, and the rather heavy-looking bamboo basket behind him.

The tall, thin thug's eyes lit up instantly, his greedy gaze lingering on the bamboo basket. He chuckled maliciously.
"Hey? Where did this grain delivery boy come from? Hey, I'm talking to you! What's that good stuff on your back? Hurry up and show it to me!"

The short, fat thug also came forward, looking Yang Guangming up and down with ill intent.

Although he was tall and looked stronger than most people his age, he still had a youthful innocence on his face, so he was probably only seventeen or eighteen years old.

He immediately underestimated him, assuming he was just a kid and could be easily scared into running away.

So he waved his thick fist and threatened in a menacing voice, "You little brat, if you know what's good for you, put your things down and get lost! Don't get in our way! Otherwise, I'll take care of you too!"

Yang Guangming's face remained calm and composed, as if he hadn't heard the two people's shrill shouts at all.

He carefully took the bamboo basket off his back and placed it steadily against the wall to prevent the honey bottles inside from being bumped and broken.

Then, he straightened up, his gaze as cold as icicles in winter, slowly sweeping over the two thugs. His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone in the courtyard, carrying an undeniable force:

"In broad daylight, under the clear sky, you barged into someone's home and demanded food. Don't you have any respect for the law?"

"Wang Fa?"

The tall, thin thug sneered as if he'd heard the funniest joke in the world, spitting as he spoke. "In this area, I'm the law! Kid, are you even grown up yet? Trying to be a hero? Get the hell out of here, or I'll teach you a lesson too!"

As he spoke, he took a defiant step forward, stretched out his dirty hand, and shoved Yang Guangming's shoulder, intending to give him a hard time.

Sunlight suddenly flashed in his eyes, turning a chilling glint.

His mind raced. He couldn't possibly stay here all the time. If he couldn't intimidate them enough today, he feared that such harassment would continue indefinitely, and he would never have a moment's peace.

Reasoning with these scoundrels who mingle in the streets and bully the weak is like casting pearls before swine. The only solution is to use violence to suppress violence, to thoroughly frighten and subdue them, so that they tremble at the mere thought of this place. Only then can we achieve a permanent solution and prevent future troubles.

Seeing that the dirty hands were about to touch his clothes, Yang Guangming no longer hesitated.

He slightly turned his body, seemingly casually, yet perfectly dodging the other person's outstretched hand.

At the same time, his right leg snapped out like a bowstring that had been drawn up for a long time. The movement was as fast as lightning, with a sharp whistling sound, and it kicked the skinny, tall thug's shinbone with perfect accuracy!

A sharp, tooth-grinding, slight cracking sound suddenly rang out, clearly audible.

"what--!"

The tall, thin thug let out a heart-wrenching scream, clutching his instantly deformed calf, and jumped up on the spot.

He immediately lost his balance and crashed heavily onto the hard ground like a felled log. He was in so much pain that he curled up all over, tears streaming down his face, and beads of sweat the size of soybeans instantly appeared on his forehead and rolled down.

Yang Guangming didn't use his full strength in that kick, but it was enough to cause a fracture in the opponent's shinbone.

Time travel is a magical thing. In addition to the accumulation and growth of the soul in each life, mysterious forces also have an effect on physical fitness.

His physique, strength, speed, and even control over his body far surpassed that of ordinary strongmen. He didn't need to use his spatial abilities to deal with this kind of thug who was all show and no substance; his own strength was more than enough.

Another short, fat thug was stunned by the sudden turn of events. When he saw his companion's miserable state, a surge of ferocity rushed to his head, and he roared, "Damn it! You little bastard, you dare to lay a hand on me!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already swung his thick fist and charged towards Yang Guangming like a bull, his posture quite intimidating.

Yang Guangming remained unmoved, and only when the fist, accompanied by the sound of wind, rushed towards him did his left hand lash out like a venomous snake emerging from its hole. His five fingers, like iron pincers, precisely gripped the opponent's wrist, twisting and pulling with the same ease!
"Ouch!"

The short, fat thug felt a piercing pain in his wrist, and his entire arm instantly went numb and powerless. He was involuntarily spun half a circle by a tremendous force, exposing his back completely to the bright sunlight.

Yang Guangming raised his right leg again and, in the same manner, kicked him in the shin.

"Ouch——!"

The short, fat thug let out a pained howl that sounded inhuman. With a "thud," he knelt down on both knees, clutching his swollen and throbbing calves. He curled up in pain, his whole body trembling like a leaf, and even his screams became distorted.

From the moment Yang Ming made his move to the moment the two thugs fell to the ground and howled in pain, only a few breaths had passed.

Just moments ago, the two scoundrels were arrogant and overbearing, but now they were like two mangy dogs with their spines pulled out, rolling on the ground and howling in agony, completely incapacitated.

The whole yard fell into deathly silence.

Everyone was stunned by this lightning-fast and clean reversal.

The neighbors stared in disbelief at Yang Guangming, who stood calmly with his expression still, as if they were seeing this usually quiet young man who only occasionally came back to visit the elderly for the first time.

Grandpa and Grandma, Second Aunt and Third Aunt, and the frightened children all stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with extreme shock and a sense of disorientation, as if in a dream.

They knew that Yang Guangming had recently become very capable, able to obtain food and rent good houses, which had improved their lives considerably. However, they never expected that this seemingly calm and quiet young man would be so ruthless and decisive when he took action, and so skilled!

Yang Guangming strode up to the two thugs who were still groaning in pain, looking down at them with icy eyes and a voice devoid of warmth: "Speak, who sent you? Are there any accomplices behind you?"

His gaze was like a tangible icicle, chilling the two thugs to the bone, even temporarily suppressing the excruciating pain in their legs.

The tall, thin thug winced in pain, but upon hearing this, he forced himself to lift his head and shouted, his voice trembling with fear, "Little...boy! Do you...do you even know who we are?"
"You dare hit us? I...we're from the Four Seas Society! You...you're finished! The Four Seas Society will never let you get away with this!"

He tried to use his connections to scare Yang Guangming away.

Sihai Society? Yang Guangming's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

He had heard of this name before; it was a powerful organization that controlled several opium dens, casinos, and restaurants in the southern part of the city, and employed a number of thugs. It was well-known in the area.

If these two are indeed low-level members of the Four Seas Society, things will indeed become more complicated. He himself is not afraid, but he has to worry about the safety of his grandfather's family, fearing that they might come back for revenge in the future.

"The Four Seas Society?" Yang Guangming's tone was stern, carrying a scrutinizing tone. "Which branch are you under? What's your branch leader's name? Tell me clearly!" He needed to verify the truthfulness of the other party's words.

The short, stout man with ringworm had shifty eyes. Enduring the excruciating pain, he followed his companion's lead and shouted:
"No...that's right! It's the Four Seas Society! Our boss is...Brother Biao from the Black Wind Hall! You...you little brat, if you know what's good for you, you'd better kowtow and apologize to us, and...and come up with another twenty silver dollars for your medicine! Otherwise...when Brother Biao comes with his men, he'll tear down this shabby place of yours, and...ah—!"

Before he could finish his threatening words, Yang Guangming had already raised his foot and ruthlessly stepped on his injured and swollen calf, grinding it with slight force.

An even more shrill, pig-like scream suddenly echoed throughout the courtyard. The short, fat thug was in so much pain that he almost fainted, and the rest of his words turned into incoherent wails.

"I'm giving you one last chance. Tell the truth." Yang Guangming's voice remained calm, yet it carried a chilling resolve. "If you dare to utter another lie, you won't leave here unscathed today either."

The two were completely stunned by his decisive and ruthless methods.

They usually bully and extort ordinary people, but have they ever really encountered such a tough opponent?
Seeing that Yang Guangming's eyes were cold and he didn't seem to be bluffing, and that he was so skilled, if he continued to be stubborn, he might really lose both his legs here.

A wise man doesn't fight a losing battle; preserving his leg is the most important thing!
The tall, thin thug couldn't take it anymore and cried out in a thick sob, "Don't...don't step on me! I'll talk! I'll tell you everything! We...we're not from the Four Seas Society! We're just...we're just people who hang around on the streets, using people's names as a shield to scare others! Mercy! Mercy!"

The short, stout thug quickly endured the excruciating pain and echoed, "Yes, yes, yes! We just saw that their family... they seemed to have some grain, so we thought... we'd come and make some extra money... Nobody told us to! There really wasn't anyone behind us! Sir! We were wrong! We'll never dare to do it again! Please, have mercy on us and let us go!"

Sunlight's sharp gaze lingered for a moment on the two faces contorted with pain and fear, carefully discerning their expressions. Confirming that they were not faking it, he felt somewhat relieved.

It turned out they were just two street thugs bluffing and impersonating a big gang to swindle and extort money. This made dealing with them much simpler and less troublesome afterward.

He snorted coldly, withdrew his foot, and said in a low voice with an undeniable warning: "Breaking one of your legs today is to teach you a lesson you'll never forget! Remember this pain!"
"From now on, if you dare to step into this alley again, or harass any of the families in this courtyard, I guarantee I'll break both your legs and make you crawl for the rest of your lives! Do you understand?"

"I heard you clearly! I heard you clearly! I'll never dare to do it again! I absolutely won't dare to do it again!" The two thugs were overjoyed, enduring the excruciating pain as they nodded frantically, hoping to leave this terrible place as soon as possible.

"Get out!" Yang Guangming shouted in a low voice, as if issuing a pardon.

Upon hearing this, the two disregarded their appearance and struggled to support themselves with their intact legs. Supporting each other, they hopped and skipped like two terrified stray dogs, fleeing in a disheveled state towards the courtyard gate.

They didn't even have the courage to look back, leaving behind only a trail of crooked footprints on the ground and fading groans of pain.

As the two thugs disappeared completely at the gate, the tension that had been building in the courtyard finally eased with a soft "hum".

The stagnant air began to flow again, and the oppressive atmosphere was swept away.

The neighbors seemed to come alive then, gathering around and expressing their heartfelt admiration and gratitude to Yang Guangming.

"Guangming! Well done! You really avenged the entire hospital!"

"Those two bastards always come looking for trouble every now and then. Well, they've met their match! Let's see if they dare to come again!"

"I never expected this, Guangming! You have such skills! I never knew you were like this! With you here in our courtyard from now on, let's see who dares to bully us!"

"It's all thanks to you, Guangming, otherwise this hurdle would have been really difficult to overcome today..."

Faced with the neighbors' warm and simple praise, Yang Guangming simply nodded politely and didn't say anything more.

He is by nature averse to showing off, and his actions today were out of necessity, not to flaunt his strength.

On the other side, Second Aunt and Third Aunt breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that the danger was completely over. They patted their chests, and their faces slowly regained their color. However, recalling the thrilling scene just now, and how their life-saving food had almost been stolen, a surge of anger suddenly rose up amidst their lingering fear.

The two of them turned around abruptly at the same time, their eyes fixed precisely on their own mischievous children who had caused trouble. Without saying a word, they grabbed them and gave them a few solid slaps on the bottom.

"I'll teach you to talk nonsense! I'll teach you to keep your mouth shut! You almost got the whole family killed! I'll beat you to death, you troublemaker!" Auntie beat and cursed at the same time, her voice sharp with excitement.

Third Aunt was also so angry that her chest heaved, and she showed no mercy: "If you dare to talk nonsense and show off outside again, I'll starve you for three days when you get home! Do you hear me! Let's see if you'll ever learn your lesson!"

Caught off guard, the two children felt a burning pain in their bottoms and immediately burst into tears, whimpering and promising, "I won't do it again! Mom, I promise I'll never say that again! Waaah..."

Watching the chaotic scene unfold, Yang Guangming knew the children were at fault, but he also understood that they hadn't done it on purpose. They were just young and didn't know any better, and given the rare treats they had in their impoverished lives, they were bound to get carried away.

He stepped forward and gently advised, "Second Aunt, Third Aunt, let it go. The children are still young and don't understand the dangers of the world. They've learned their lesson after this experience."

"If we beat him too badly and he gets injured, we'll have to spend money to see a doctor, which is not worth it."

His last sentence, "Spend money to hire a doctor," seemed to strike a nerve with the two aunts.

They stopped reluctantly, glared at their children, and warned sharply, "Did you hear what your older brother said? If this happens again, see how I deal with you!"

The children nodded, sobbing, and hid to one side, not daring to utter another sound.

Grandma finally recovered from her shock. She patted her chest, let out a long sigh of relief, and then her face beamed with an almost fawning smile. She walked over to Yang Guangming, grabbed his hand, and spoke with unprecedented enthusiasm and gratitude, even with a touch of exaggeration:

"Oh my, my good grandson! Grandma's darling! We really owe you so much today!"

If you hadn't arrived in time, our house would have been ransacked and looted by those two bastards!
You're a great contributor to our family! Come on, don't stand in the yard, come inside and sit down!

Grandpa Yang Hanzhang also came over, leaning on a cane and walking with a slightly unsteady gait.

He didn't say much, but simply stretched out his calloused and wrinkled hand and patted Yang Guangming's shoulder heavily a few times.

Those weathered old eyes were filled with indescribable joy, lingering fear, and a complex mix of emotions—the feeling of watching one's fledgling eagle finally spread its wings and soar.

All the words he wanted to say were condensed into a low, emotional sentence: "Good child...you've had a hard time. Come inside and let's talk."

Yang Guangming felt the strength and warmth from his grandfather's hand, and his heart softened. He nodded.

He turned and walked to the base of the wall, picked up the heavy bamboo basket, and followed his grandparents into the dimly lit main house.

Seeing this, the second and third aunts quickly comforted the still sobbing child and followed him into the house. In their eyes as they looked at Yang Guangming, in addition to the usual fawning look because he could bring food, there was also a greater sense of heartfelt gratitude and a trace of undisguised awe of the powerful methods he had just displayed.

Once inside, Yang Guangming placed the bamboo basket on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) and then took the items out one by one.

First came five pounds of rice and five pounds of cornmeal, packed in heavy old cloth bags; then two bottles of tempting, thick honey; and finally two pounds of golden-yellow twisted dough sticks wrapped in oil paper, yet still exuding a crispy, fragrant aroma.

As these things were presented before her eyes, especially the honey and the oily, luxurious fried dough twists, which were extremely rare at the time, Grandma's eyes widened instantly, and her smile became as radiant as a chrysanthemum blooming in autumn. She kept exclaiming in amazement and praise:

"Oh my! My good grandson! You're really something! Bringing back so many precious things again! This rice, this cornmeal..."

Oh my, this honey! Look at its color, it must be so nourishing! And these fried dough twists, they smell so delicious!

Grandma hasn't seen such decent snacks in years! It's truly... truly thanks to my eldest grandson!

As she spoke, she couldn't help but reach out and stroke the smooth honey bottle and oil paper package, her affection evident in her words.

The second and third aunts' eyes lit up as they watched, and they unconsciously swallowed their saliva.

Honey nourishes yin and moistens dryness, making it an excellent tonic; fried dough twists are crispy and sweet, a snack that children dream of. For them, who often lack oil and rarely taste sweetness, the temptation is undoubtedly huge.

They smiled broadly, echoing their grandmother's praise, but their eyes kept glancing at the food, already calculating how much they would get.

Grandpa Yang Hanzhang looked at the precious food on the kang (a heated brick bed), especially the two bottles of honey and the fried dough twists, but unlike Grandma, he didn't feel pure joy. Instead, he frowned slightly.

He took Yang Guangming's hand and led him to sit down on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), lowering his voice with a hint of worry and reproach:
"Guangming, Grandpa knows your feelings."

But you... your family isn't well-off either. Your father's leg injury requires continued medication, and your two daughters, Jingwan and Jingyi, are still growing. Money is needed everywhere.

Don't bring so many expensive things here again. Take care of yourself first.

The old man always kept in mind the hardships his eldest son's family had endured.

Upon hearing this, Yang Guangming felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He grasped his grandfather's rough hand in return, a reassuring smile appearing on his face, and spoke in a steady tone:

"Grandpa, you can rest assured. My father's leg is almost healed now. He's been using good medicine, the swelling has gone down, and he can sleep soundly at night. In another ten days to two weeks, he should be able to walk normally again."

There's really no shortage of food at home right now. If I can afford to give it to them, I must have my own connections, and I guarantee my family won't suffer any losses.

These two bottles of honey are great for you and Grandma; you can mix a little with water and drink it every day.

"Give some of the twisted dough sticks to your younger siblings; they deserve a treat."

His words were sincere and filled with strong confidence, as if all problems had already been solved in front of him.

Grandpa Yang Hanzhang carefully examined his grandson.

The boy before me still had a somewhat youthful face, but the composure between his brows and the calmness and decisiveness in his eyes were something I had never seen before.

Considering his ruthless and efficient skills in dealing with the thugs, and his ability to quietly rent a spacious courtyard and settle his eldest son's family, the old man understood that this grandson was no ordinary person and might have truly had an extraordinary life and abilities.

Although his doubts had not completely dissipated, they eventually turned into a helpless sigh. He said no more about the matter, but simply squeezed his grandson's hand tightly, everything understood without words.

Grandma had already happily clutched the honey bottle and the twisted dough sticks tightly to her chest, as if afraid someone would snatch them away. She kept muttering about how good things were, and walked briskly into the inner room, clearly looking for a place to carefully hide these "treasures."

Seeing this, the second and third aunts quickly helped put the rice and flour into the low cabinet. Their movements were swift, and their faces showed undisguised joy.

Seeing his grandmother's undisguised joy and the expectant yet somewhat ingratiating looks in his second and third aunts' eyes, Yang Guangming understood.

Faced with these most basic survival needs, these real grains and rare foods are indeed the most direct and effective "lubricant," capable of quickly bridging the gaps caused by past poverty and trivial matters, and temporarily maintaining this fragile family warmth.

However, what he cared about most was the long-term safety of his grandfather living there.

Although today's matter has been resolved, it's hard to guarantee that there won't be other envious people, or that those two thugs, after recovering from their injuries, will still harbor wicked intentions and gather their accomplices to come and take revenge.

This large courtyard is crowded with people and has a chaotic environment, making it ultimately not an ideal place to spend one's later years in peace.

While Grandma was hiding something in the inner room and his second and third aunts were in the kitchen boiling water, only he and Grandpa were left in the room for the time being. Yang Guangming straightened his expression and said:

"Grandpa, as you can see, there are many people and all sorts of people here, so safety is really a concern."

They might be able to fend off two today, but tomorrow three or five more might come. I'm still not entirely at ease.

Why don't you and Grandma move in with me? It's a detached house, quiet and safe, and I can take better care of you there.

Looking at the genuine concern and worry in his grandson's eyes, Yang Hanzhang felt a mix of emotions, a warm feeling mingled with bitterness.

How could he not yearn to live with his eldest son, his virtuous eldest daughter-in-law, and his increasingly accomplished grandson, enjoying the bliss of family life and the happiness of doting on his grandchildren?

Having such a capable grandson by my side makes life so much more comfortable and peaceful.

However... reality is always full of helplessness and constraints.

He glanced towards the door to make sure no one was eavesdropping, then lowered his voice to a whisper, his tone filled with deep helplessness and realistic considerations:

"Guangming, I understand your filial piety perfectly well. But... no, it really won't work."

He paused, a hint of bitterness in his aged voice, and continued to explain in a low voice:

"Your grandmother... although she is my husband, she is not your father's biological mother."

She also has her two biological sons, Huaiyi and Huaili, by her side.

How could she possibly abandon her own flesh and blood to live with her stepson's family?

Even if she craves a good life and occasionally has that thought about your parents...

Sigh, after all, she's not my biological mother or mother-in-law, and our past relationship has faded. As time goes by, it's inevitable that there will be some friction and disagreements.

"In that case, it will put your parents in a difficult position, making everyone unhappy. What's the point?"

Yang Guangming listened silently.

He knew that every word his grandfather said was the truth.

For many years, my stepmother and mother maintained a polite but distant relationship, and were not close.

Since the family has already separated, if they are to live under the same roof for a long time, trivial frictions are almost inevitable. My father is kind and gentle, and he will definitely be caught in the middle and put in a difficult position.

“I would be willing to go myself, but it wouldn’t look good if people talked about me leaving your grandmother behind.”

Yang Hanzhang gently patted the edge of the pit, as if to emphasize the seriousness of the matter, "If I really go with you and leave your grandmother here alone, what will your second and third uncles think? What will the neighbors say behind my back?"

They'll definitely think I'm biased, only favoring your father, the eldest son. They're old and only care about following my successful eldest son to live a good life, looking down on them for being incompetent and not wanting to live with them anymore.

Once this reputation for 'favoritism' is confirmed, it will not only hurt your second and third uncles' feelings, but this family... will probably never have a peaceful day again.

Grandpa is getting old, and he doesn't want to cause discord among his brothers in his final days, making him a laughingstock in front of outsiders.

The old man sighed deeply, a complex emotion flashing in his cloudy old eyes—a longing for family happiness, a helpless acceptance of reality, all ultimately transforming into a world-weary detachment and resignation.
"It's actually quite good as it is now."

You come to visit every now and then, bringing some food and supplies. Grandpa also has the money you insisted on giving me before, so I feel at ease and not worried.

Your second and third uncles, although they are not very capable and can't make a lot of money, barely making ends meet, still care about us old folks from time to time. It's a bit tight, but we can still manage.

I won't go and cause you any trouble. Just focus on living your own lives well; that'll make Grandpa happier than anything.

Yang Guangming gazed at his grandfather's face, which was covered with deep wrinkles and bore the marks of time, yet still radiated determination. He knew that the old man's mind was made up, and no matter how much he tried to persuade him, he would be unable to change his decision, which was rooted in traditional values ​​and practical considerations.

This is not just a matter of housing; it involves complex family relationships, interpersonal dynamics, and the elderly person's own obsession with not becoming a "burden" to their children and grandchildren.

He sighed inwardly, knowing he couldn't force it, so he nodded, his tone tinged with helplessness, but he didn't insist any further.
"Since you've thought this through so thoroughly, Grandpa, then... I won't force you."

However, you must be extra careful in everything you do here and be mindful of your surroundings.

If you encounter a similar situation again, or face any other difficulties, please don't try to tough it out. Make sure your second or third uncle finds time to send me a message, and I'll come right away.

"Alright, alright, Grandpa understands. Don't worry, after today's incident, those petty scoundrels will have to think twice."

Seeing that his grandson was no longer insisting, Yang Hanzhang smiled with relief and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Yang Guangming sat in the house for a while, chatting with his grandfather and asking carefully about the recent situation of his second and third uncles.

Knowing that although they worked extremely hard from dawn till dusk every day and their wages were meager, they were still able to barely cover the basic expenses of the large family, I felt a little more at ease.

At least materially, his current assistance is enough to keep the whole family alive.

Seeing that the sun was rising higher and the sunlight was bright, he got up to say goodbye.

Grandma, his second aunt, and his third aunt warmly escorted him to the gate of the courtyard, repeatedly telling him, "Come back and visit often when you have time" and "Be careful on the road."

Their attitude was warmer and more sincere than ever before.

Grandma held his hand tightly, repeatedly saying, "Good grandson, next time you come, don't bring anything. Grandma is happiest when you come!"

But her gaze involuntarily drifted a few times towards his empty bamboo basket.

Yang Guangming understood, but simply smiled and agreed before turning and leaving the large courtyard.

On his way back, his thoughts were in turmoil, and he couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Grandpa's stubbornness stemmed from his desire to maintain family harmony, a traditional responsibility of a patriarch, but it also prevented him from providing more direct protection.

It seems he'll have to make more trips whenever he has time. (End of Chapter)