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

The light in the main room shone through the newly pasted window paper, making it appear exceptionally warm.

Yang Guangming placed the cloth bag on the table beside him, and while untying it, he smiled and said to his family members who looked over when they heard him, "I bought some things on the way. Let's have a good meal today to welcome Grandpa back."

Chu Yuanjun poked her head out of the kitchen, a spatula in her hand: "Guangming's back? Perfect timing, the food will be ready soon. What did you buy?"

"I bought some meat, eggs, and a piece of tofu," Yang Guangming said, taking the items out.

The ten eggs were round and plump, the tofu was tender and juicy, and the most eye-catching piece was the pork belly, with distinct layers of fat and lean meat, and alternating red and white colors.

Jingwan and Jingyi immediately ran over, their eyes sparkling as they looked at the piece of meat.

"Brother! So much meat!" Jingyi exclaimed softly, swallowing hard.

Yang Huai-ren also saw it, and a smile appeared on his face. He said to his father, who was sitting in the main seat, "Father, look, Guangming specially bought meat. Let's have a good meal tonight."

Yang Hanzhang's gaze fell on the piece of meat, then looked at his grandson's busy figure, and his eyes couldn't help but feel a little hot again.

He quickly lowered his head and cleared his throat to cover up his embarrassment: "Oh, okay, okay... You've gone to too much trouble, far too much trouble."

"Grandpa, this is nothing. Your arrival and our family reunion are more important than anything else." Yang Guangming said lightly, handing the meat to his mother who came to greet him. "Mom, it's up to you now."

Chu Yuanjun took the meat; it felt heavy in her hand, and the texture of the fat made her feel at ease and happy.

She gave her son a reproachful look, but her eyes were full of laughter: "You do have some filial piety... This meat is really good, the fat and lean are just right. You two keep Dad company while I go make it. Jingwan, come help Mom with the fire."

"Yes!" Jingwan answered crisply and followed her mother to the kitchen.

Yang Guangming washed his hands and sat down at the table. Yang Huairen poured hot water for his father and himself, and also pushed a cup to his son.

"Have they all been seen off at the station?" Yang Huai-ren asked.

"Yes, they've been put on the bus. It was crowded and packed, but at least everyone got on," Yang Guangming said simply, avoiding the chaotic and sad details.

Yang Hanzhang listened silently, holding the warm, rough porcelain bowl in both hands. After a long while, he let out a long sigh: "Gone... all gone. This whole family, scattered just like that." His tone was filled with endless desolation and loneliness.

“Father, don’t be sad,” Yang Huai-ren comforted him. “Huaiyi and Huaili are going to find a way to make a living, which is a good thing. They are educated and strong, and they will surely find food in the south. You stay in Beiping, we are here for you. From now on, this place will be your home. When things are more peaceful, they might even come back to visit.”

"Come back?" Yang Hanzhang shook his head, his smile bitter. "With all this war and chaos, separated by thousands of miles, how easy is it? I'm afraid my old bones won't live to see that day."

“Grandpa, please don’t say that.” Yang Guangming took over the conversation, his tone earnest. “You’re in good health. Take good care of yourself and live to be a hundred. There’s still a long road ahead. Who can say for sure? Maybe in a couple of years, when the world is at peace and transportation has resumed, your second and third uncles will come back to visit you with their families. How lively that would be!”

He paused, then continued, "Even if they can't come back for the time being, as a family, if we live well together and make our lives prosperous, they'll be happy and at ease knowing that we're in the south, right?"

These words struck a chord with Yang Hanzhang.

What the elderly fear most, besides separation, is becoming a burden.

Judging from his grandson's words, he genuinely wanted to take care of him, to let him settle down here and become a true member of the family, rather than a temporary guest.

He raised his somewhat cloudy eyes, looked at his composed eldest son, and then at his eldest grandson with clear and determined eyes. The sorrow of parting and the desolation of his later years were finally somewhat diluted by this real warmth.

“You…you are all good children.” His voice was hoarse and filled with emotion. “Grandpa…Grandpa is old and useless. In the future, I will inevitably be a burden to you.”

"Father, what are you saying!" Yang Huai-ren exclaimed, somewhat agitated. "It's only right and proper for a son to support his father in his old age! Before, it was because I was incompetent that you suffered with us. Now that things have improved a bit, your arrival is the perfect opportunity for us to fulfill our filial duty. Yuan-jun, don't you agree?"

Just then, Lord Chu Yuan came in carrying a plate of food, a large plate of golden and fragrant scrambled eggs.

She smiled and replied, "Dad, Huai Ren is right. We're overjoyed that you've come. What's this talk of being a burden? We're family, we shouldn't be saying such things."

You can stay here in peace. If you need anything, just tell me. Jingwan and Jingyi will have more people to take care of them from now on.”

The two little girls nodded vigorously, staring longingly at the tempting plate of scrambled eggs on the table, then stealing a glance at their grandfather, their eyes full of affection.

Soon, Chu Yuanjun and Jingwan brought out the dishes one by one as if by magic.

Besides the large plate of glistening scrambled eggs, there was also a plate of home-style tofu, pan-fried until golden brown on both sides and then braised in sauce, its aroma irresistible. A large bowl of stir-fried cabbage with vinegar was tangy and appetizing.

Finally, the grand finale was a huge bowl of braised pork belly, glistening red, trembling, and steaming hot!

The braised pork was cut into neat squares, with the fatty parts glistening and the lean meat tender and mushy. The thick sauce coated every piece of meat, and it was sprinkled with a few bright green scallions. Just looking at it made one's mouth water.

In addition, Yang Huai-ren also took out a bottle of baijiu (Chinese liquor) that he had treasured.

“Dad’s here today, I’m so happy, let’s have a drink too.” Yang Huai-ren opened the bottle, and a rich aroma of grain liquor wafted out.

He first poured his father a full small cup, then poured one for himself, and looked at Yang Guangming. "The light is bright now, so let's make an exception and have a cup today too?"

Yang Guangming smiled and nodded: "I'll drink less with Grandpa and Dad."

Lord Chu served rice to everyone. The rice was fine white rice, cooked until each grain was distinct and exuded a pure rice aroma.

The family sat around the eight-immortal table, on which were four dishes, with the prominent braised pork in the center.

The warm lights and the rising steam from the food blurred the years of sorrow on everyone's faces, revealing expressions of anticipation and contentment.

“Come on, Father, let’s have a drink first. Welcome home.” Yang Huai-ren raised his wine cup and said solemnly.

Yang Hanzhang looked at his son, then at his grandson and granddaughter, raised his wine cup, his throat choked with emotion, and managed to utter only one word: "Good!"

The three men's wine cups clinked together lightly, making a crisp sound.

Yang Guangming took a sip; the liquor was spicy, yet a warm current flowed down his stomach. He watched as his grandfather also downed his cup of wine in one gulp, a blush quickly spreading across his face, but his eyes brightened considerably.

"Eat vegetables, eat vegetables!"

Chu Yuanjun hurriedly greeted them, first picking up a large piece of the most perfectly marbled braised pork, coated in sauce, and placing it in Yang Hanzhang's bowl. "Father, try this. The meat Guangming bought is good. I cooked it according to the method you told me before. See if it's tender enough?"

Looking at the glistening, tender braised pork in the bowl, Yang Hanzhang's memory seemed to be instantly pulled back to many years ago, when his family was doing well and there would be a bowl of meat like this on the table during festivals.

Back then, he was in his prime, surrounded by his children... He picked up a piece of meat and put it in his mouth. The fatty part melted in his mouth, not greasy at all, while the lean meat was tender and flavorful, with a rich, savory sauce and a perfect balance of salty and sweet. It was exactly the taste he remembered, and it tasted even more delicious because he hadn't had it in so long.

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside me, a bittersweet feeling that ultimately transformed into a warm sensation in my throat and a moist well in my eyes.

He chewed vigorously, nodding repeatedly, his voice muffled yet clear: "Mmm! So...delicious! Yuanjun, your cooking...is really good!"

Upon receiving her father-in-law's approval, Chu Yuanjun beamed with joy: "I'm glad you like it. I'll make it often in the future. Guangming, Huai Ren, you two eat too. Jingwan, Jingyi, here, this piece is for you."

She then put a piece of meat on each of her two daughters' plates, and then on her husband's and son's plates.

Yang Guangming also put some scrambled eggs and tofu on his grandfather's plate: "Grandpa, you should try this too."

"Okay, okay, I'll do it myself, you guys eat too," Yang Hanzhang said hurriedly.

The family finally started eating.

For a moment, only the sounds of chewing, the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks, and the occasional satisfied sighs filled the main room.

Jingwan and Jingyi ate the braised pork in small bites, savoring it as if it were some kind of divine delicacy. The rice, soaked in the gravy, tasted especially delicious.

They would steal glances at their grandfather from time to time, and seeing that he was also eating attentively, with a relaxed expression on his face that they hadn't seen in a long time, they felt happy.

Yang Huai-ren was in high spirits after taking his father to live with him. His appetite returned, and he ate two bowls of food without realizing it. He would occasionally put food on his father's plate and urge him to eat more.

Lord Chu Yuan himself ate little, busy taking care of this and that, his face always beaming with a satisfied smile.

Watching her father-in-law eat with peace of mind, seeing her two daughters' faces fuller, and her son steady and reliable, she felt that all the hardships and worries of the past few years had been dispelled by this warm dinner.

This home finally felt like a home again, and it made her feel more at ease and hopeful than ever before.

Yang Guangming ate his meal slowly, savoring the simple yet precious family atmosphere.

Having experienced over two centuries of vicissitudes, he has possessed wealth, power, and fame. But at this moment, sitting around in a simple yet warm house, sharing a simple dinner with his blood relatives, this ordinary human warmth, this real protection and reunion, brings him unprecedented spiritual satisfaction and peace.

He knew that the storms outside had not subsided and that war was still approaching.

But at least for this moment, in this little haven he built with his own hands, his loved ones are safe and sound, well-fed and clothed, and their faces are filled with anticipation for tomorrow.

That's enough. That's the meaning behind his struggle.

Yang Hanzhang put down his bowl and slowly scanned everyone at the table: his eldest son, daughter-in-law, grandson, and two granddaughters.

His eyes were no longer the empty, sorrowful gaze of the daytime, but filled with emotion and a faint yet firm rekindled hope.

“Huai Ren, Yuan Jun, Guang Ming…” he began slowly, his voice much calmer than before, “Grandpa enjoyed this meal very much, and his heart… felt warm.”

He paused, as if organizing his thoughts: "I used to hold this family together. But then the world went downhill, and the family fell apart. I thought... this was all I was going to do in my life, watching my children and grandchildren scatter, not knowing when I would close my eyes for the last time."

“Father…” Yang Huai-ren wanted to say something, but Yang Han-zhang raised his hand to stop him.

"Let me finish," Yang Hanzhang continued. "I never thought that, at the very end, my old bones would still have this day. I can still sit in such a warm house, eat such a decent meal, and see all of you here."

His gaze fell on Yang Guangming: "Guangming, Grandpa knows that this family was able to recover, move here, and have this meal today, all thanks to you."

After your father injured his leg, you were the one who held this family together. You are more capable and responsible than your father and even more so than your grandfather were back then.

“Grandpa, this is what I should do,” Yang Guangming said earnestly.

“Good child, Grandpa knows what to do.” Yang Hanzhang nodded. “Your second and third uncles have left to find their own way to make a living. Grandpa won’t leave; I’ll stay in Beiping, stay here with you. From now on, we’ll all live a good life together.”

His tone became firm: "Grandpa is old and can't do heavy work, but he can still guard the gate, sweep the yard, and help take care of Jingwan and Jingyi."

Don't always think I'm old. Just tell me what you need me to do. If we're a family and work together, we can definitely make our lives better.

These words were undoubtedly a declaration that the old man had completely let go of his inner turmoil and truly integrated himself into this new home.

Yang Huai-ren and Chu Yuan-jun were both moved and gratified upon hearing this.

Chu Yuanjun hurriedly said, "Father, look at what you're saying. You've come here to enjoy yourself. You don't need to do these chores. Just relax and enjoy your retirement. Do what you want to do, and rest when you don't want to. Talk to Jingwan and Jingyi, and give them some pointers on calligraphy. That would be the best."

“Yes, Grandpa, you play with us and teach us to read!” Jingyi said quickly, making everyone laugh.

The atmosphere became more relaxed and harmonious.

Yang Huai-ren poured some more wine for his father and himself, and Yang Guangming joined them.

The three men drank slowly, chatting about everyday things, occasionally mentioning past memories, but mostly talking about their current lives and future plans.

Chu Yuanjun then told her father-in-law about the situation of the neighbors in the courtyard, mentioning Master Liao's enthusiasm, Master Jiao's imposing manner, and Mr. Shen's amiability, her words filled with satisfaction with her current living environment.

Jingwan and Jingyi finished eating quickly, but they were reluctant to leave the cozy dining table. They snuggled up to their mother, listening to the adults talk, their eyes sparkling.

The meal took almost an hour to eat.

In the end, only a little thick broth remained of the braised pork, the scrambled eggs and tofu were almost gone, and there was hardly any left of the stir-fried cabbage with vinegar.

Everyone ate to their heart's content, their faces glowing with a healthy rosy hue, and their stomachs feeling satisfied and full.

Chu Yuanjun and Jingwan were clearing away the dishes when Yang Guangming offered to help, but his mother shooed him away, saying, "Go talk to Grandpa and your father. Jingwan and I are here."

Yang Guangming then moved with his grandfather and father to a chair by the window and brewed a pot of coarse tea. The tea was a gift from Manager Zhao; it wasn't expensive, but it had a rich aroma.

Sipping hot tea, I felt the greasiness of the meal and the effects of the alcohol, while the night outside the window had become completely dark.

The cold wind was still howling, but the thick walls and tightly closed doors and windows kept the bitter cold out.

Inside, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the lamplight was soft. (End of Chapter)