The Beginning of a Courtyard House: Sixty Years of Internal Strength

"Yaoyao, go to sleep. Let's not talk about this guy anymore."

Then he carried Yao Yao to the bed.

Li Jianguo was surprised that Yan Laokou was so efficient.

They bought Yang Ruihua a job within half a month.

The birds in the courtyard immediately became envious.

This is a dual-income family.

They are also rarely seen on the nearby streets.

Jia Zhangshi's eyes darted around.

If Qin Huairu were to also buy a job, wouldn't that provide him with additional income?

But then I thought better of it.

If Qin Huairu goes to work, who will take care of her?

Jia Zhangshi gave up the idea, but Qin Huairu brought it up during dinner.

"Dongxu, look at Uncle San's house."

I bought a job for the three aunties, so their family can have an extra source of income.

Do you want me to buy one too?

This way, not only will your income increase.

I can also change my household registration to an urban one, and even my child's household registration can be transferred over.

Jia Dongxu's eyes lit up. "That's right, if they all turn around..."

So the food problem is more than half solved?

At this moment, Madam Jia pinched Qin Huairu hard.

"You little slut, what are you thinking?"

Now that you're at work, who will do the housework? Who will look after the kids?

You can't expect an old woman to take care of a child.

And then there's your appearance.

If you go to the factory, will you be able to control your belt?

"No one's watching you; you never know what you might do."

Qin Huairu began to complain, looking aggrieved.

"Mom, how could you say that to me?"

I have never done anything to wrong the Jia family.

Jia Zhangshi began to curse viciously.

"Pah, you're always all lovey-dovey with Sha Zhu by the pool."

Holding hands and stuff, do you really think I can't see that?

If it weren't for Sha Zhu's lunchbox...

I would have beaten you to death long ago, you slut.

Upon hearing this, Jia Dongxu's expression also turned ugly.

He pondered Jia Zhangshi's words and realized they made perfect sense.

My wife is so beautiful.

What if I get caught cheating at the factory?

Even with a job, he couldn't hold onto it.

Jia Dongxu made the decision immediately.

"Huai Ru, you should take good care of the family."

Forget about work.

After hearing Jia Dongxu's words, Qin Huairu...

She silently lowered her head and began to eat, her eyes filled with tears.

But Jia Zhangshi, with her arrogant and domineering demeanor, stirred up a storm.

Li Jianguo sighed after hearing their conversation.

It seems Qin Huairu has quite the ambition; she wants to go out and work right now.

Yao Yao spoke up at this moment.

"Brother Jianguo, do you think I should find a job too?"

Li Jianguo was taken aback.

"Yaoyao, you should focus on practicing martial arts."

Why look for a job?

Other jobs require you to be in the factory all day long to keep an eye on things.

Do you want to get into purchasing?

However, you can't earn much money doing purchasing all month.

We have plenty of money in our space, so there's absolutely no need for it.

Yao Yao thought about it and felt that what he said made sense, so she gave up the idea.

As peaceful days passed by one after another.

No one caused any more trouble in the courtyard.

The tea trees in the space are all growing very well.

Because the two of them cut a lot of tree branches.

This year's tea production is less than two jin (1 kg).

There's no other way but to drink it sparingly.

With the presence of the sacred spring water, the tea trees still grow very quickly.

According to Li Jianguo's estimate, it might take a little over a year.

These transplanted tea plants are ready for harvest.

The fruit trees have borne a lot of fruit, and we're just waiting to harvest a batch in the fall.

Then they started making fruit wine.

The only downside is that too much of the spiritual spring water is used.

New tea trees, mother tea trees, and fruit trees all need to be watered.

I can't save much at all each month.

When the fruit ripens.

I wonder how much fruit wine made with the spiritual spring water can be brewed.

If all else fails, stop growing some fruit trees.

Since the addition of Lingquan Wine.

Drinking alcohol makes cultivation much faster than drinking spiritual spring water.

Li Jianguo can cultivate internal strength equivalent to more than a year's worth in just one month.

Yao Yao has a very low alcohol tolerance; she can only drink a couple of sips each time.

Therefore, her progress was much slower than Li Jianguo's.

After the incident of Yan Bugui being dismissed.

Yan Jiecheng was also terrified.

They behaved themselves for a full two months.

In September, Yan Jiecheng came to their door again, bringing food and drinks.

It looks like the old man has recovered.

I've come again to ask my two brothers for guidance.

This time, Yan Jiecheng brought a roast chicken and a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor).

After the three of them sat down...

Yan Jiecheng, feeling embarrassed, began to admit his mistake.

"Brothers, it was indeed my fault last time."

That was a bit rash. Could you give me another suggestion?

You see, it will be a little over a year from now.

I've reached the age where I can get married.

I can't be carrying debt then.

Xu Damao looked at Yan Jiecheng with a grin.

"Jiecheng, how many ideas have we given you?"

Why do you always mess things up?

"Even if we offer more ideas, it won't be of any use."

"Brother Da Mao, I've really learned my lesson this time."

What should we do next?

I will definitely report any progress to my two older brothers in real time.

"I absolutely won't mess things up again. Brother Da Mao, let this be the last time you teach me."

Xu Damao and Li Jianguo exchanged a glance, both with smiles in their eyes.

Xu Damao then spoke.

"Jiancheng, the current situation is really very serious."

There's no way we can find something to use against your father.

The only options left are to steal IOUs and family property.

Since you didn't have a chance to put the medicine in the porridge.

Why not try some kind of incense or similar product?

You secretly put it on the roof at night.

Throw the sleeping incense into the chimney.

The people inside will definitely faint.

Or you can sneak a whiff through the crack in the door.

"Huh? Brother Da Mao, this sleeping incense might be hard to find."

Sleeping pills are easy to find, but I'll have to buy the sleeping potion on the black market.

I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to buy it.

"Jie Cheng, isn't it just going to the black market?"

You look so timid.

As long as you dress up and people don't recognize you, there won't be any problem.

Besides, you're buying a sleeping potion for your family to use.

"I'm not doing anything bad, what's the big deal?"

Looking at Yan Jiecheng, who was still hesitating.

Li Jianguo also came up with an idea.

"Hey, Jiecheng, there's actually another way."

Since sleeping pills can't be put into porridge.

You should try to find a way to put the sleeping pills somewhere else.

Just sneak into the kitchen when your mom isn't cooking.

Add the sleeping pills to the bucket.

Or it might be in a cloth bag containing cornmeal.

He must need water and cornmeal when he cooks.

You'll definitely get caught then.

Where do you keep your pickled vegetable jar and Chinese cabbage?

Why not just put it in Sha Zhu's cellar?

Then you can pick one from your pile of cabbages.

Or add some sleeping pills to the pickled vegetables.

They'll get to eat that cabbage someday.

Then you'll have your chance to make your move.

Xu Damao immediately nodded in agreement.