Courtyard House: She got anxious when He Yushui wasn't licked.

"Exactly, I thought your family in our yard was very poor. I didn't expect you to have a sewing machine."

"No wonder! I was wondering why Jia Zhangshi was so fat when everyone was living on corn porridge. It turns out that corn porridge was just an appetizer!"

The usually harmonious neighbors surrounded Qin Huairu and Bang Geng, demanding an explanation.

Banggeng looked at the people who were forcing them, his face contorted with malice, revealing his treacherous nature. He roared at the people around him, "Get out of my way! You're all Wang Lin's lackeys! I'll beat you to death and steal your things!"

Jia Zhangshi taught Bang Geng that if other people had good food, it had to be theirs. If they didn't give it to him, he should make a scene. Once they were scared, they would obediently hand it over. In Bang Geng's subconscious, anyone who wasn't good to his family was a bad person! They all deserved to die!

After walking a few steps, Wang Lin heard Bang Geng yelling at his neighbors behind him. He shook his head, knowing that Bang Geng's reputation was ruined! His deeply ingrained ideas meant that whoever got involved with him would be unlucky!

Jia Zhangshi, who was forming a human wall in the backyard, couldn't stop Xu Damao and his group. She was carried by several men to the door of Qin Huairu's house.

Wang Lin glanced at He Yushui in the crowd, but showed no reaction and simply walked past her.

The road is facing the sky, go to one side.

When Wang Lin ignored He Yushui, it felt like a needle had pierced her heart, causing her to almost fall over in pain, as if she had lost something important.

When He Yuzhu saw that his sweetheart Qin Huairu was surrounded by the neighbors in the compound, he immediately pulled He Yushui and rushed over.

Upon seeing the sewing machine in front of Qin Huairu's house, Xu Damao began to loudly proclaim, "Widow Qin! This sewing machine is a big deal! Aren't you struggling to make ends meet? Why aren't you selling the sewing machine? Did you hide the money we donated?"

Qin Huairu picked up the stalk, knowing that she couldn't get away with it without putting on a show of suffering. She knelt down, her eyes brimming with tears, and explained to everyone, "Neighbors! Listen to me! Before Jia Dongxu left, he told me that we mustn't sell the sewing machine. It was our only keepsake from our wedding, a symbol of our love! Now that Jia Dongxu is gone, I'm left as a widow raising three children and a mother-in-law who needs medication every month..."

The familiar sob storyline, but this time Qin Huairu changed it, claiming that the sewing machine was a token of love given to her by Jia Dongxu and could not be sold!

People in this era were simple and honest, and they valued their reputation extremely. The token of their love, along with Jia Dongxu's parting words, immediately won the sympathy of the neighbors in the compound.

It is said that husband and wife are like birds in the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly away separately!

Qin Huairu did not abandon her three children and sick mother-in-law, a sentiment that is truly touching.

In addition, everyone knew that Qin Huairu's family was very poor, and they often asked Uncle Yi Zhonghai to initiate donations.

As a result, people still believe that it is understandable that Qin Huairu's family does not sell sewing machines, as they are a testament to her love with Jia Dongxu.

How could they bear to hurt such kind and compassionate people again?

Seeing that everyone believed Qin Huairu's words, Xu Damao stopped trying to sow discord. After all, he still needed to take advantage of Qin Huairu frequently at the factory, and it wouldn't be worth pushing her too far. He could take advantage of her with steamed buns, so why not?

He Yuzhu pushed his way through the crowd, glaring at his neighbors and shouting, "What are you doing? How can you be so shameless as to bully an orphan and a widow?"

Although He Yushui was not as strong as He Yuzhu, no one dared to lay a finger on her, even though she was a girl.

With the intervention of Sha Zhu, the "courtyard war god," the neighbors all exchanged glances and shook their heads, saying, "Forget it."

He Yuzhu originally planned to reason with these neighbors, but unexpectedly they stopped making things difficult for Qin Huairu and her son.

Seeing that everyone had dispersed, Jia Zhangshi came to Qin Huairu. She raised her hand and slapped Qin Huairu across the face, angrily cursing, "You slut! You can't even keep the sewing machine a secret. What use is a wife like you?"

Qin Huairu felt wronged. What was she doing all this for? Of course, it was for the sake of her family! But her mother-in-law, Jia Zhangshi, didn't care about any of this.

When He Yuzhu saw Qin Huairu being beaten by Jia Zhangshi, he came up to Qin Huairu and said to Jia Zhangshi, "How could you hit Sister Qin? She didn't tell anyone about the sewing machine. It must have been that little bastard Wang Lin who heard it from someone and deliberately caused trouble."

Seeing that Sha Zhu was blocking Qin Huairu's way, Jia Zhangshi sneered and said, "My son may be dead, but it's impossible for Qin Huairu to leave this old woman and remarry. Unless I die, it's impossible for her in this lifetime!"

He Yuzhu was sprayed with spittle, but he just endured it and let Jia Zhangshi scold him. As long as Jia Zhangshi could calm down, what did it matter if he was scolded a few times? At this moment, Qin Huairu must have been staring at his back with stars in her eyes.

The whole courtyard was abuzz with rumors that He Yuzhu had feelings for Qin Huairu. As someone with experience, Jia Zhangshi could see it, but selfishly, she was determined not to let Qin Huairu remarry.

Chapter 45 Qin Huairu stands firm and steady the fool.

Seeing her brother being sprayed in the face with spittle by Jia Zhangshi, but he didn't say a word, He Yushui urgently stood up for He Yuzhu, saying, "Aunt Jia! How can you not tell good from bad! My brother is protecting Sister Qin so much, and you're still criticizing him?"

Jia Zhangshi glanced at He Yushui and said in an even more arrogant tone, "I know very well what Shazhu is up to. Let him give up on that idea. I will not let Qin Huairu remarry, and Banggeng will never change his mind and call Shazhu Dad. He only has one father, and that is my dead son Jia Dongxu."

Although Banggeng's underwear hurt, he was no longer a little kid. After hearing Jia Zhangshi's words, he directly threatened Qin Huairu, "Mom, if you dare to marry Shazhu, I will disown you for the rest of my life! And don't even think about me taking care of you in your old age!"

Such heartless words coming from Bang Geng, a child who is only 11 years old, coupled with Bang Geng's ferocious and terrifying expression, do not seem like a joke at all.

"Aunt Jia! That's awesome!" He Yuzhu's heart shattered instantly.

What is he after all these years of helping Qin Huairu's family without hesitation, rain or shine?

He just wanted Qin Huairu to remarry so he could marry the woman he loved and have three more children.

But now, Jia Zhangshi has clearly told Shazhu that he and Qin Huairu are impossible! Banggeng even directly threatened her mother!

He Yuzhu is also a human being, and he also dreamed of a life with a wife, children, and a warm bed! But the first problem standing in his way was Jia Zhangshi, his wicked mother-in-law who bullied the weak and feared the strong.

He Yuzhu had gone out happily today and even planned to pack two meals to bring back for Qin Huairu's family, but they have now completely ruined his mood.

He Yushui wasn't oblivious to He Yuzhu's feelings over the years, but she felt that if He Yuzhu liked someone, he should pursue him! She believed that as long as they were sincere enough, they would surely be able to become a couple.

Unexpectedly, He Yushui turned into a tea plant, and He Yuzhu was also silently flattered and ruined by her, becoming Qin Huairu's lapdog!

If Xu Damao were still here, he would definitely make a few sarcastic remarks about He Yuzhu to gain a sense of superiority.

Seeing that Sha Zhu's face had turned pale, Qin Huairu quickly said to Jia Zhangshi, "Bang Geng accidentally pulled his balls. Mother, please take him inside to see him. I will handle this matter."

Madam Jia glanced at Qin Huairu, knowing that Qin Huairu wouldn't dare to do anything reckless under her nose, so she felt relieved and picked up the stick and went into the house.

After Jia Zhangshi and Banggeng left, Qin Huairu looked at He Yuzhu with teary eyes. She reached out and took He Yuzhu's hand and said frankly, "I know what you're thinking, but it's hard to get past my mother-in-law. Banggeng is just a child. Don't take what he says to heart. Xiaodang and Huaihua like you very much."

He Yuzhu's originally pale face changed when Qin Huairu held his hand. His heart raced. It was the feeling of being in love. When Qin Huairu brainwashed him, He Yuzhu changed his previous dejected state. Who was He Yuzhu? The stubborn, courtyard house simp god of war!

If he can't win over Qin Huairu this time, he'll try again in a month, a year, or even ten years! He believes that as long as he's sincere enough, Jia Zhangshi will be moved and allow them to be together.

He Yushui felt a little superfluous, so she encouraged them, "Sister Qin, Brother Sha, no matter what, I support you."

He Yushui is serious about this. She hopes that Shazhu will really be kicked out by Bang Geng and freeze to death under the bridge, just like in the TV series finale.

With encouragement from his younger sister He Yushui, He Yuzhu instantly regained his confidence and even said to Qin Huairu, "Sister Qin, don't worry, I won't give up easily. I'll pack two meat dishes for you guys tonight to help you recover."

Upon hearing about the meat dish, Qin Huairu immediately nodded and hummed in agreement, looking just like a little wife.

He Yuzhu loved this kind of thing. He stared at Qin Huairu with his eyes wide open. Qin Jingru was nothing to him now; only Qin Huairu was his true love!

He Yushui wisely left quietly. She needed to travel around for work and didn't have time to carry out her plan to provoke Wang Lin.

Qin Huairu used her beauty to keep He Yuzhu calm, and after easily getting under his control, she left under the pretext of going to wash the children's clothes.

Only He Yuzhu remained, staring blankly at Qin Huairu's departing figure, probably already thinking about the name of their future child.

After waiting for two minutes, He Yuzhu came to her senses, smiled unconsciously, and hummed a little tune as she went to work.

As soon as Qin Huairu returned home, Jia Zhangshi sneered, "You still know to come back? Why don't you just stay at Sha Zhu's house?"

Banggeng even shouted sternly, "If Shazhu dares to get near my mom again, I'll use a slingshot to smash his windows!"

Looking at the old woman and the young boy, Qin Huairu said aggrievedly, "Grandma, Banggeng, do you think it's free for you to eat the meat dishes that Shazhu brings back every day? How can he continue to work like a slave if we don't give him some hope?"

Madam Jia softened her tone and said, "Giving that idiot Zhu a little treat every now and then is fine. But if you dare to do anything to betray my Dongxu, don't blame me for turning ruthless."

That makes sense. Madam Jia also knows that Qin Huairu has had a tough time these past few years, especially after Jia Dongxu's unexpected death. There are many people who covet the Jia family, so she has to keep Qin Huairu under control.

Housing was extremely scarce in those days.

Second Uncle Liu Haizhong has three sons, and he is one of the factory's level eight fitters! How could he not covet Jia Zhangshi's house? Given the chance, he would definitely seize Jia Zhangshi's house.

Needless to say, the third uncle, Yan Bugui, had even more children, and housing was a major problem for him. It was only because he lacked the means that he was able to secure a house for the Jia Zhang family.

Banggeng is already a young man, and in a few years we'll be looking for a wife for him. Where will he live then? We can't keep squeezing into one room, can we? Who would want to marry into that family then?

Therefore, Qin Huairu not only wanted Sha Zhu's money and the meat he packed every day, but also wanted his house, and even He Yushui's side room.

It is said that the most poisonous heart is that of a woman! Qin Huairu's hypocritical image stands in stark contrast to Liang Ladi, the widow in another period drama, "Man is Iron, Rice is Steel".

As Jia Zhangshi yawned, she said to Qin Huairu, "Go ahead and get busy if you have nothing else to do. I'm going to take a nap."

Banggeng obediently lay down. Since he was on vacation and it was cold outside, sleeping was the best thing to do.

"Okay, then I'll go clean Sha Zhu's room." Upon hearing this, Qin Huairu had no choice but to pick up the basin and rag and prepare to go to He Yuzhu's house to ransack it, no, to help Mei Qiyue clean it.

Normally, Qin Huairu would use the excuse of cleaning and washing He Yuzhu's clothes to embezzle all the money from his clothes and pants. Otherwise, do you think Qin Huairu would be so kind as to clean the lazy man's room for He Yuzhu?

Once outside, Qin Huairu breathed a heavy sigh of relief, but the thought of her son, Banggeng, brought another wave of grievance to her heart. Who had she done all this humiliatingly for? Wasn't it all for that ungrateful wretch, Banggeng! And yet, Banggeng, oblivious to everything, even threatened his own mother. Qin Huairu's heart ached terribly.

Chapter 46 Portable Space for Spirit World Planting Begins

After hearing Qin Huairu leave, Jia Zhangshi exchanged a glance with Banggeng and then got up.

The door was closed, the room locked, and the curtains were drawn – the entire sequence of actions was performed with perfect coordination.

Before Jia Dongxu's portrait, Jia Zhangshi, seemingly possessed, obtained a black talisman from somewhere. She sincerely lit three incense sticks and said to the portrait, "Son! Bless our family with great wealth and prosperity! If you are watching from heaven, you must not let Qin Huairu remarry."

Bang Geng knelt down before Jia Dongxu and said, "Father! If you have a spirit in heaven, then let your son learn those long-lost martial arts. When your son becomes famous, I will definitely build you a golden tomb."

Recently, Bang Geng encountered an old beggar at the school gate. The beggar was selling martial arts manuals at a stall. Seeing Bang Geng's extraordinary physique, the beggar was instantly amazed and insisted on teaching Bang Geng the long-lost martial arts skills!

In order to learn a trade from the old beggar, Bang Geng has been unable to concentrate on his studies these past few days. Every day during class, he is distracted, thinking about where to get money to pay for his apprenticeship fee.

By chance, Banggeng discovered that Jia Zhangshi was secretly hiding money. Besides accompanying Jia Zhangshi in this feudal superstition, Banggeng had another important task today: to steal money!

The old woman, Jia Zhangshi, was extremely cunning. Every month, she would ask Qin Huairu for three yuan for medicine and two yuan for retirement money, which she kept in two different places.

Jia Zhangshi hid her retirement money in a hollow piece of paper behind the wall bricks in the storage room. She wrapped it in several layers of newspaper and hid it inside. Another portion of the money was placed in an iron box in a chest with three locks, showing her strong sense of security.

There were only two keys to the inner room, one on Qin Huairu and one on Jia Zhangshi. Jia Zhangshi hid the three keys separately: one in the sole of her shoe, one under the bed board, and the other strung together and carried close to her body.

It would be incredibly difficult for Bang Geng to steal the money from the box, so he had to switch his target to the hidden stash of money in the hollow bricks of the inner room wall.

"Banggeng, come and offer incense to your grandfather."

Jia Zhangshi's voice pulled Bang Geng back to reality. He got up, walked to Jia Zhangshi, and took the three lit incense sticks.

Below Jia Dongxu's portrait was a memorial tablet, which was the memorial tablet of Jia Zhangshi's husband, Lao Jia.

Why does Jia Dongxu have a portrait while Lao Jia doesn't? Because when Lao Jia passed away, his family was so poor that they didn't even have a single photograph, so they only had a memorial tablet.

Every day, Jia Zhangshi would wipe the memorial tablet and offer incense to Old Jia, praying that her family would become rich overnight and become the wealthiest in the compound, living on fish and meat every day.

After offering incense, Banggeng's gaze drifted to the inner room, where Jia Zhangshi took out a black talisman. The inner room was not yet locked.

Madam Jia was devoutly praying for the protection of Old Jia and her son's spirits in heaven, muttering a long string of prayers.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Banggeng quietly slipped into the inner room and took out the newspapers from under an inconspicuous empty brick. Regardless of how many there were, he stuffed them all into his crotch and put the brick back in.

After doing all this, Banggeng nervously returned to stand obediently behind Jia Zhangshi.

After kneeling and bowing, Jia Zhangshi burned the black talisman in a bowl and poured in a bowl of water. She planned to have Qin Huairu drink the talisman water when she returned.

Recently, Jia Zhangshi met a Taoist priest on the black market who claimed to be a fortune teller, and obtained a talisman from him for a hefty sum of two yuan.