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

After Grandpa moved into the east wing, life seemed to slow down, separating him from the chaos and anxiety of the outside world.

Although the news about the war in the newspapers was becoming more and more frequent, and the city was filled with fear and rumors, the Yang family of five, plus the newly arrived grandfather, a total of six people, squeezed into this small but self-contained courtyard, unexpectedly enjoyed a rare period of peaceful and warm reunion.

Yang Guangming followed Teacher Zhu's instruction to "lie low" and, based on his own safety considerations, significantly reduced the frequency of going out.

He no longer goes out almost every day like before.

Now, he spends most of his time at home, spending his mornings with his grandfather in the yard, basking in the sun and chatting, or sitting at his desk in the east wing, spreading out those heavy foreign language books and manuscripts, and concentrating on "translating".

He's genuinely translating; he's treating it like calligraphy practice. If necessary and the opportunity arises, he can submit it to a publisher and at least earn some translation fees.

The rustling sound of writing became a comforting background noise in the courtyard.

In the afternoon, he would occasionally go out, but his route was fixed and his time was short. He would usually go to the nearby market to carefully replenish some daily necessities that he could not take directly from his spatial storage with silver coins, or buy some fresh vegetables to add some variety to his family's dining table.

Life at home, supported by a steady stream of supplies amidst the changing light and shadows, maintained an almost luxurious stability.

The grain bin was always full, containing not only storable grains, but also white rice and fine flour.

The firewood and coal in the coal shed were piled high enough to withstand the long and harsh winters of Beiping.

In the kitchen cupboard, you can often see cured meat, salted fish, eggs, and even occasionally a rare piece of fresh pork belly.

Although we didn't dare to eat large amounts of meat at the dinner table, there was still meat in every meal, such as a few slices of cured meat stir-fried with green vegetables, a bowl of oily egg custard, or a small dish of fried salted fish.

Compared to the world outside the courtyard, where people were starving and gloomy, life in the east courtyard was like living in another time and space.

Lord Chu Yuan kept his household in perfect order.

Although the daily meals are simple, they are always varied, using limited ingredients to create the most delicious flavors.

She also pays special attention to her father-in-law's eating habits. Knowing that the old man has poor teeth and likes to eat soft food, she always cooks the porridge until it is thick and stews the vegetables until they are very soft.

She also dug out the red dates and red beans that Yang Guangming had brought back before, and every few days she would cook some sweet soup for her father-in-law, saying that it would replenish his qi and blood.

Yang Hanzhang was initially a little uneasy, feeling that he was there to "burden" his children and grandchildren. He wanted to help with everything, but was also afraid of causing trouble.

But soon, the meticulous care from his eldest son and daughter-in-law, the steady and reliable support from his grandson, and the innocent and carefree affection from his two granddaughters gradually eased his tense heart.

He began to get used to taking a slow stroll in the yard every morning to stretch his muscles; he got used to sitting under the pomegranate tree, watching Jingwan and Jingyi play and read in the yard; he got used to listening to his son and daughter-in-law gossiping about the neighbors at the dinner table, while his grandson occasionally chimed in with a few calm analyses of the current situation.

The long-lost rosy glow on his face slowly returned, and the despair and hopelessness in his eyes were replaced by a peaceful light with a hint of relief.

Jingwan and Jingyi were the happiest.

They no longer had to worry about going hungry, nor did they have to be taken by their mothers to dig up grass roots and collect coal nuggets outside the city in the cold wind.

Besides helping their mother with simple housework, they could spend most of their time reading and writing.

Chu Yuanjun was very strict with her two daughters' studies, teaching them to recognize characters, recite poems, and practice arithmetic every morning without fail.

Now that the family has some extra money, Yang Guangming specially bought new calligraphy brushes, inkstones, and calligraphy practice books so that his two younger sisters can formally practice calligraphy.

In the courtyard, one could often hear Chu Yuanjun's gentle explanations and the clear recitations of two girls.

With hope in sight, Yang Huai-ren's spirits were completely renewed.

Although he no longer needed to work hard to provide food for his family as before, he couldn't stay idle and took the initiative to take on the tasks of "external procurement" and "intelligence gathering" for the family.

Every morning he would go out to the nearby market, listen to the local gossip, check the prices, and occasionally use the silver dollars given to him by Yang Guangming to buy some odds and ends needed for the household.

This "job" made him feel that he was still contributing to the family, rather than just being a recipient of support, which made him feel increasingly comfortable.

The family sat around the warm main room eating, chatting, and listening to Grandpa tell stories, which became the most precious daily routine during this cold period.

The cold wind outside the window continued to howl, and the chaos and panic on the street continued to spread, but once the door of the east courtyard was closed, all of that was temporarily shut out.

This tranquility and warmth appear all the more precious, and all the more fragile, in contrast to the deepening despair in the outside world.

Yang Guangming was well aware of this, so he was even more cautious, keeping the replenishment of supplies within a range that was "slightly better than ordinary families, but not so much that it would arouse envy."

However, even such "low-key" good days are a luxury that many people yearn for in an era when this tenement is about to become hell.

The other neighbors in the courtyard did not live as comfortably as the Yang family.

As Yang Guangming learned, apart from the Jiao family, who received his secret financial assistance, and the Liao family in the front yard, who made a living by "shoveling noodles," and were able to barely make ends meet, the other families with "stable jobs" were also in different predicaments.

In the backyard, Manager Zhao's silk and cloth shop was already deserted. The owner was struggling to stay afloat, and the monthly wages he paid were getting smaller and smaller, and were often delayed. The gold yuan he received was also rapidly depreciating, so he couldn't buy much.

Manager Zhao was a man who cared a lot about his reputation. He also had a wife, children, and elderly parents to support, so he could only pawn some old items to make ends meet.

Mr. Su, who lived in the west wing, was in an even more dire situation.

He was a Chinese language teacher at a middle school, a respectable and prestigious profession. But now the school was frequently open and closed, student numbers were soaring, and the funding allocated by the education bureau was a drop in the bucket, and it was all in rapidly depreciating gold yuan notes.

His salary had been delayed for two months, and even when he occasionally received a small amount, the thick stack of banknotes couldn't be exchanged for more than a few kilograms of coarse grains in the market.

Mr. Guan was a scholar, proud by nature, and valued his reputation above all else. His family was already struggling financially, with the rice jar empty and the coal almost gone, but he would rather have his wife and children eat only two meals of thin porridge a day, enduring hunger and cold, than ask anyone for help.

He always felt that the difficulties were temporary, that education was the foundation of the nation, that the higher authorities wouldn't ignore it, and that the situation would eventually improve. But reality became crueler day by day.

His wife was a docile, old-fashioned woman who could do nothing but weep silently.

The two children, one ten years old and the other eight, were at the age when they could eat and grow a lot. They were so hungry every day that they were pale and thin, and they hid in the house, afraid to go out and play, for fear of seeing the food in other children's mouths.

That night, the cold wind blew particularly hard, making the paper windows rattle loudly.

In the east courtyard, Yang Guangming's family had just finished dinner.

The dining table was clean and tidy. Chu Yuanjun brewed a pot of coarse tea, and the family sat around the eight-immortal table, talking by the warm glow of the oil lamp.

Yang Hanzhang held a cup of hot tea, sipping it slowly with a relaxed expression, listening to his son Yang Huai-ren recount the bits and pieces of news he had overheard on the street during the day.

Jingwan and Jingyi sat at a small table in the inner room, diligently reviewing the lessons their mother had taught them during the day, lit by another small oil lamp.

The courtyard was quiet, with only the sound of the wind.

Just then, a soft, hesitant footstep came from outside the courtyard gate and stopped in front of the moon gate. Then came a few suppressed coughs, clearly indicating embarrassment.

The people inside exchanged glances, all somewhat puzzled. At this hour, it was completely dark, and the wind was biting cold; who would come to visit?

Yang Guangming stood up, walked to the door of the main room, pushed it open a crack, and asked, "Who is it?"

There was a moment of silence outside the door before a hoarse, dry voice, trying to remain calm but still trembling, rang out: "Is Mr. Yang...is he home? It's me, Guan Jiyun from the Central Court."

Mr. Suga? Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly understood seven or eight parts of it.

He quickly opened the door and saw Mr. Guan standing in the cold wind, wearing a faded gray cloth long gown with a thin cotton robe over it, his shoulders hunched, under the dim light of the lantern.

His face was pale, his lips were tinged with cold, and his eyes behind his glasses darted around, conveying a deep-seated embarrassment and awkwardness.

"Mr. Suga? Please come in! It's cold outside!" Yang Guangming stepped aside and greeted him in his usual tone.

Mr. Su seemed to hesitate for a moment before lowering his head and stepping into the main room with somewhat unsteady steps.

The warmth and light in the room made him squint unconsciously. When he saw Yang Huai Ren, Chu Yuan Jun, and Yang Han Zhang sitting at the table, his embarrassment deepened, and he didn't know what to do with his hands and feet.

"Mr. Guan is here. Please have a seat and some hot tea to warm yourself up." Yang Huai-ren also quickly got up to greet him. Chu Yuan-jun had already nimbly taken another teacup and poured hot tea into it.

"I'm sorry to bother you, I'm really... I'm really sorry to bother you." Mr. Su took the teacup, his fingers were icy cold, and his voice was so low that it was almost inaudible.

He didn't sit down, but simply held the teacup, drawing courage from its warmth.

Sunlight closed the door, keeping the cold wind out, and walked back to the table. He calmly looked at Mr. Suga and asked, "Mr. Suga, is there something you need that's bringing you so late?"

Guan Jiyun's throat bobbed violently, and he opened his mouth, but it was as if something was blocking it, and he couldn't say a word.

His hands, holding the teacup, trembled slightly.

The main room fell silent, with only the soft crackling of the oil lamp wick.

Yang Huai Ren and Chu Yuan Jun exchanged a glance, both seeing understanding and sympathy in each other's eyes.

They probably guessed Mr. Suga's purpose in coming. Yang Hanzhang also put down his teacup, sighed silently, and lowered his gaze to the table.

After a long while, Mr. Guan seemed to have used all his strength to squeeze out a few words through gritted teeth, his voice broken and strained: "Brother Yang, Sister-in-law Yang... I... I really... have no other choice..."

He suddenly raised his head, and behind his glasses, his eyes, which appeared unusually large due to long-term malnutrition, were bloodshot and filled with desperate pleading. The last shred of dignity that belonged to a scholar had vanished at this moment.

“We’ve been out of food for two days. The children are crying from hunger… The coal is almost gone, and the house is like an icebox… At school… the school is still behind on payroll, and the… the paper they give us is completely useless…”

He stammered, his voice choked with emotion, "I know... this is against the rules, asking for help... but I... I'm really desperate... I want to ask... could I... could I borrow some food first? Or... or a few dollars to tide me over? I... I promise I'll pay you back as soon as possible! I, Guan Jiyun, swear to God!"

In the end, he forced himself not to cry out, but his shoulders heaved violently, and his thin body looked even more pitiful in the warm room.

A middle school teacher, well-read and respected, who would have addressed him as "Mr. Su" on the street? Now, however, he has been driven to such a state by life that he has to ask his neighbors for a loan. This humiliation and despair is almost crushing him.

Chu Yuanjun felt a pang of sadness at the sight, turned his face away, and secretly wiped the corner of his eye with his sleeve.

Yang Huai-ren also looked reluctant, but he did not speak immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze to his son, Yang Guangming.

The true backbone and pillar of this family now is Guangming.

The family's food and money were all earned by Guangming. Whether to borrow or not, and how much to borrow, was a decision that Guangming had to make. This was an unspoken understanding between the couple.

Yang Guangming listened quietly, his face expressionless, but his mind was already making a quick decision.

Mr. Guan had anticipated his predicament. He was an honest and upright scholar who would never have stooped to ask for help unless he was desperate and his family was on the verge of starvation and freezing.

Yang Guangming wouldn't mind lending a hand to such families. This is not only out of neighborly affection, but also out of respect for those who strive to maintain their dignity even in difficult circumstances.

But there are methods to helping.

While providing money and food directly may solve the immediate problem, it is not a long-term solution.

It is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. He needs to find a way that can truly help the Suga family overcome their difficulties without making them feel that it is pure charity or hurting their self-esteem.

At the same time, one must also consider their own actual situation and potential risks. The level of assistance needs to be controlled and should not be too conspicuous.

Several thoughts raced through his mind, and Yang Guangming had already made up his mind. He stood up, walked to Mr. Guan, and said in a calm and sincere tone, "Mr. Guan, please don't rush, sit down and talk. It's only right for neighbors to help each other. We've all seen the difficulties your family is facing."

He gestured for Mr. Guan to sit down, then said to his mother, Chu Yuanjun, "Mother, go to the kitchen and see how much grain we have left. Pack ten jin for Mr. Guan, just in case."

Chu Yuanjun quickly responded and got up to go to the kitchen.

Yang Guangming then looked at his father: "Dad, don't you still have some emergency money in your room? Give ten yuan to Mr. Guan so he can buy some urgently needed coal, oil, and salt."

Yang Huai-ren understood and immediately got up and went into the inner room. He quickly came out with a small cloth bag containing ten heavy silver dollars.

He walked up to Mr. Suga and stuffed the cloth bag into his hands: "Mr. Suga, please take this first. Don't think it's too little; it will be useful in an emergency."

Mr. Su held the cloth bag containing silver dollars in his hands, and then looked at the cloth bag containing cornmeal and mixed beans that Chu Yuanjun brought out from the kitchen. He was stunned, his lips trembling, unable to say a word, and could only keep bowing.

“No…no…this…this is too much…I…I…” He choked up, unable to speak.

“Mr. Guan, please accept this first.” Yang Guangming helped him up, his tone firm. “The food and money are all loans to you. You can repay them when you are better off in the future. Right now, the most important thing is to make sure your aunt and the two children are well-fed and clothed and get through this difficult time.”

He paused, then changed the subject as if suddenly remembering something, and said, "By the way, Mr. Suga, I happen to have something I'd like to ask for your help with. I wonder if it would be convenient for you?"

Mr. Su raised his eyes and looked blankly at Yang Guangming: "Mr. Yang, if there's anything you need, just tell me... As long as it's within my power, I'll do it without hesitation!"

Yang Guangming smiled and pointed towards the inner room: "It's like this, my two younger sisters, Jingwan and Jingyi, you may have met them before."

They were always taught at home by my mother, learning to read and do some arithmetic. But my mother wasn't a professional teacher, so her teaching wasn't systematic enough.

The two girls are not young anymore. If the situation is more stable next year, I would like to send them to a proper school.

He said sincerely, "I was thinking that if they could have a professional teacher like you to lay a foundation for them and provide systematic guidance before they enter school, so that they can fill in any gaps in their knowledge, that would be the best thing ever."

"I wonder if Mr. Guan would be willing to spare one or two hours each day to come to our home and tutor them? Of course, I can't let your time go to waste; I'll pay you a monthly tutoring fee. What do you think?"

These words were reasonable and logical, both pointing out the need and providing the other party with a respectable way to earn money through their own abilities.

Mr. Suga wasn't stupid; he immediately understood Yang Guangming's deeper meaning.

This isn't a genuine need for a tutor; it's clearly someone taking advantage of my predicament to help me in various ways, while also protecting my face and dignity! They want me to earn my wages through labor, not accept charity.

An indescribable warmth and gratitude instantly broke down the last fragile line of defense in his heart called "self-esteem".

He forcefully wiped away the tears on his face, straightened his body, and although his voice was still hoarse, it carried a new firmness and solemnity:

"Mr. Yang! You...you didn't just ask me for help, you saved my whole family!"
Although I, Guan Jiyun, am a useless scholar, I still know right from wrong! It is my duty to tutor the two young ladies!

But this tutoring fee... absolutely cannot be accepted! You've already lent me food and money, relieving my immediate crisis; how could I possibly take your money again?"

Yang Guangming shook his head, his attitude firm: "Mr. Guan, let's keep things separate. What I borrowed from you is borrowed, and I will repay it later."

Asking you to tutor is hiring you for work, so naturally you should be paid. That's only right and proper.

If you don't accept, I wouldn't dare ask you to come, wouldn't that interfere with my two younger sisters' studies?

He softened his tone and said frankly, "Mr. Suga, I know you are of noble character and do not wish to receive favors from others for nothing. But it is not shameful to earn money and support your family through your own knowledge and labor."

Please consider this a favor to me, and also to help myself and my family find a stable way to make a living.

In this chaotic situation, the school's salary isn't very stable. With this income, your family can have more peace of mind, right?

These words not only gave the other party a way out but also pointed out the practical benefits, and every sentence resonated with Mr. Suga.

Yes, being aloof won't put food on the table, and I can't let my children go hungry or cold. What's shameful about earning money through one's own knowledge, without stealing or robbing?

Mr. Yang is genuinely thinking of himself!

Without further hesitation, Guan Jiyun took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Yang Guangming, Yang Huai Ren, and Chu Yuanjun.
"Mr. Yang, Brother Yang, Sister-in-law Yang... I can't thank you enough! I, Guan Jiyun, will remember this kindness!"
"I've agreed to tutor you! I'll do my best! As for the payment... well... we'll do as Mr. Yang suggested. I... I'm ashamed to accept it!"

"Mr. Suga, you're too kind."

Yang Guangming helped him up. "Then it's settled. How about fifteen silver dollars a month? He can come for two hours a day, and you can adjust the specific time according to the school's arrangements. I'd like you to assess my two younger sisters' academic background before we finalize their study plans."

Fifteen silver dollars a month!
In those years of soaring grain prices and relatively strong purchasing power of silver dollars, this was definitely a substantial income! Enough to support Mr. Suga's family through the current difficult seventeen years, and even leave them with a slight surplus!
Mr. Suga's hands trembled again, this time from excitement and disbelief.

He waved his hands repeatedly, "Too much! Too much! Mr. Yang, you don't need this much..."

“Not much.” Yang Guangming interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “You are a truly talented teacher, worth this price. It’s settled then. Tomorrow, you can come and see Jingwan and Jingyi to find out the situation. Take the food and money back with you first. Tonight, let your aunt and the children have a good meal and keep the stove warm.”

The matter was settled.

Chu Yuanjun had already packed ten catties of mixed grains, and Yang Huairen had also rewrapped ten silver dollars, and handed them to Mr. Guan together.

Mr. Suga thanked him profusely, and carrying the grain and silver coins, he left the east courtyard with slightly unsteady steps.

That figure, though still thin, seemed a little straighter, less of the deathly despair, and more of the thrill of surviving a catastrophe and a faint hope.

After Mr. Suga left, the main room became quiet again.

Yang Huai-ren looked at his son with a relieved smile, but a hint of worry remained deep in his eyes.

He carefully considered his words before speaking: "Guangming, I have no objection to what you're doing. Mr. Guan is a good man, and we should help him. Inviting him to teach Jingwan and Jingyi is also a good thing."

But... fifteen silver dollars a month, plus the ten dollars lent out and the food expenses... isn't that a bit too much? Won't your burden be too heavy?"

Chu Yuanjun also looked at her son, her eyes filled with concern. Although she sympathized with Mr. Guan and supported her son's decision, as a mother, she felt even more sorry for the burden on her son's shoulders.

Yang Guangming sat back down at the table, looking relaxed and speaking with certainty:
"Dad, Mom, don't worry. My translation work has never stopped. Although I don't get as much work as before, my income is still quite stable."

Teacher Zhu also often helps out. Besides, our family has some savings, so even if my income temporarily decreases, we can manage for a while and won't fall into financial difficulties.

He looked towards the inner room, where his two younger sisters were peeking out, clearly having overheard the conversation. Their little faces were full of curiosity and anticipation.

Yang Guangming smiled and continued to say to his parents, "Besides, I think it's worth it to spend this money on Jingwan and Jingyi's education."

Mr. Su is a proper middle school teacher with solid knowledge. With his systematic guidance, the results will definitely be much better than my mother trying to teach on her own.

If we can really send them to school next year, with that foundation, they'll be able to adapt more quickly and learn better.

He paused, then spoke with even greater seriousness: "In our family, Grandpa, you and Mom all value education. We couldn't afford it before, but now that we have some means, it's only right that we invest more in our children's education. It's more important than just eating well or dressing well."

These words resonated deeply with Yang Hanzhang and Yang Huairen.

Yang Hanzhang nodded first, stroking his gray beard, and said with emotion, "Guangming is right! We can't be poor when it comes to education! Our Yang family has a long tradition of scholarship. Jingwan and Jingyi are girls, and in this world, girls need to be educated and understand right from wrong so they can have the skills to support themselves in the future. This money was well spent!"

With the old man speaking, Yang Huai-ren and Chu Yuan-jun naturally had no further objections, and their worries were replaced by their hopes for their daughter's future.

Chu Yuanjun turned to the inner room and beckoned to his two daughters: "Jingwan, Jingyi, come here."

The two little girls quickly ran out and stood beside their mother.

Lord Chu Yuan held their hands and solemnly instructed them:

"You all heard what I just said. To help you learn well, your brother specially hired Mr. Suga to come to our house to teach you, which costs a lot of money every month. This money is earned by your brother through hard work."

"Starting tomorrow, you two must study diligently and attentively with Mr. Guan! No laziness, no playing around! If you don't study well and waste your brother's hard work and money, your mother will be angry, understand?"

Although Jingwan and Jingyi are young, they are precocious and sensible. Especially after experiencing the hardships of the past, they know how hard-won their current happy life is and how hard their brother has worked.

The two little girls nodded vigorously, their faces full of solemnity.

As the older sister, Jingwan was the first to speak up: "Mother, don't worry, Jingyi and I will definitely study hard! We won't let brother's money go to waste!"

Jingyi nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling: "Yes! I'll study hard with my sister! Mr. Guan is very knowledgeable, we will definitely listen to him!"

Seeing how sensible her daughters were, Chu Yuanjun smiled and patted their heads: "Good children, remember what you said."

Yang Guangming also smiled and said, "Don't feel too much pressure, just study hard. Mr. Suga is a very nice person, so feel free to ask him if you don't understand anything."

The family chatted for a while longer, mainly discussing the study arrangements for the two younger sisters, creating a warm atmosphere.

Night deepened, and the oil lamp dimmed.

Before they all went back to their rooms to rest, Yang Huai-ren suddenly remembered something and said to Yang Guangming, "Guangming, seeing Mr. Guan like this reminds me of your great-uncle."

Your uncle is also a middle school teacher. If Mr. Suga is having such a hard time, your aunt's family must be... having a tough time too.

He looked worried: "The last time you went to your aunt's house was more than a month ago, right? The situation wasn't this bad back then."

If you have some free time these next couple of days, could you go check on them again? If they're having any difficulties, we can try to find a way to help. After all, she's your aunt.”

He paused, then added, "By the way, also tell your aunt about the changes that have happened at home recently."

Your second and third uncles moved south to Shanghai, and your grandfather moved in with us. She needs to know these things.

Your aunt is the eldest daughter. Although she's married, she should still be informed about family matters.

Yang Huining, Yang Hanzhang's eldest aunt, was the eldest daughter of Yang Hanzhang's first wife. She was two years older than Yang Huairen and married into the Wang family in Nancheng. She had one daughter and two sons.

Not long after settling down in the last move, Yang Guangming followed his father's wishes and visited his aunt's house, bringing some gifts and letting her know he was safe and sound.

Although my aunt's family was also poor at that time, they were able to make ends meet with my uncle's salary and the family's savings, which was much better than when the Yang family lived in the tenement.

But that was more than a month ago.

The situation has now taken a sharp turn for the worse. The gold yuan has completely collapsed, prices are soaring daily, and schools are routinely delaying salary payments. My uncle, who is also a teacher, is probably in a similar predicament to Mr. Suga.

Yang Guangming nodded: "Dad, you're right. I should go visit my aunt again. I'll go tomorrow morning."

Chu Yuanjun also said, "We should go and see her. Sister Huining is strong-willed, and even if she has difficulties, she probably won't speak up easily."

When you get there, take a good look and ask around. If they're really having trouble, we'll help if we can. Bring something with you, don't go empty-handed.

“I know, Mother,” Yang Guangming replied.

Once the matter was settled, the family members went to rest.

Outside the window, the north wind howled, and the night was as dark as ink.

But the rooms in the east courtyard were filled with a reassuring and warm atmosphere. (End of Chapter)