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

"Mrs. Jia, stop making a scene. We told you to transfer your household registration to the city, but you didn't. Now it's too late to regret it. That's how the country stipulates it. There's nothing we can do about your tantrums."

If it's truly a difficult situation, Yi Zhonghai would actually be quite happy to see it. How can the importance of a master be demonstrated if his apprentice's family doesn't face difficulties?

Upon hearing Yi Zhonghai's refusal, she quickly went up and hugged Yi Zhonghai's leg, continuing to wail.

But Jia Zhangshi is now purely extorting money. Yi Zhonghai looked at Jia Dongxu with a serious expression and urged him to pull away Jia Zhangshi who was hugging his legs.

At this moment, Jia Dongxu was still sober. How could his master not know about his family's situation? He blamed himself for always bragging in front of his master. He couldn't control his mouth and regretted it terribly.

"Mom, get up quickly. Our family can still manage. Don't make things difficult for Master." Jia Dongxu forced himself to pull Jia Zhangshi up.

At this moment, Qin Huairu quickly squatted down to help, "Mom, you're putting Master in a difficult position. If our family has any difficulties, Master will definitely help."

Yi Zhonghai saw Qin Huairu squatting beside him, pulling at Jia Zhangshi. Her curvaceous figure was on full display. Although she was dressed conservatively, it couldn't hide Qin Huairu's domineering figure.

He immediately patted his chest and assured them, "Okay, okay, what kind of behavior is this? We're in a meeting right now. I'll do my best to help you if you encounter any difficulties."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zhangshi finally loosened her grip, wiped her snot on her trouser leg, and got up, much to Yi Zhonghai's disgust.

"Does anyone have any other questions? If not, just remember to go to the neighborhood committee to apply for your food ration book during this period."

At that moment, a neighbor shouted something.

"Damn it, how much grain is distributed per person exactly?"

"It's hard to say, it depends on the intensity of the work and physical labor. Those who do more physical labor will receive more food, while those who do less physical labor may receive less. But there will definitely be enough to eat, so please don't worry."

At this point, Yan Bugui also began to explain.

"That's right, this quantity has been specifically studied. As long as we don't waste any, it's definitely enough to eat. Alright, let's call it a day."

Li Jianguo and his wife came full of enthusiasm but left disappointed. They never expected it was about the grain rations; they thought it was because of the old lady.

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai called out to Yan Bugui. "Teacher Yan, wait a moment, I have something to discuss with you. Let's have a couple of drinks."

Yan Bugui was taken aback. Although he didn't know what Yi Zhonghai was going to say, he immediately nodded in agreement when he heard that Yi Zhonghai was going to treat him to drinks and went home with Yi Zhonghai.

At the Yi family's house, a plate of peanuts was laid out on the table, and a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) was opened. After pouring a glass for Nian Yanbugui, Yi Zhonghai finally spoke.

"Old Yan, it's like this, you see, even with the rain, we can't take care of the old lady anymore, and my wife's heart isn't very good either. Could you ask your wife to help out?"

Yan Bugui's eyes lit up, and he quickly agreed.

"No problem, we're neighbors, let's just stick to the previous agreement of five thousand yuan per visit."

Yi Zhonghai was cursing under his breath. "You're really dreaming! Before, it was only once every ten days or so, but now you're asking for it by the number of times. How much money would that cost per month?"

"Old Yan, you don't need to ask for such an exorbitant amount. How about this, 3 yuan a month. You just need to take care of the old lady's personal hygiene, and my husband will handle the house cleaning, okay?"

"Old Yi, that's too little. The old lady keeps pooping and peeing in bed, it's so hard to clean her up. It should be at least 10 yuan a month, otherwise I won't do it."

"Old Yan, let's be honest. Forty thousand yuan, forty thousand yuan at most. If you don't want to do it, I'll find someone else. I can find someone else for forty thousand yuan."

"No, Lao Yi, you wouldn't trust an outsider to use it. Let's compromise. How about 70,000? I'll arrange for my wife to go if you give me 70,000."

Yi Zhonghai took a sip of wine and remained silent, just watching Yan Bugui quietly.

Yan Bugui's mouth went dry from being stared at, so he chopped himself with a knife.

"6, is 6 alright?"

Yi Zhonghai spoke up at this point.

"Okay, I'll just say 5. Let's compromise, it'll be 1 a month, not a penny more. Fine, or not? Give me a straight answer, or I'll find someone else."

"Okay, Lao Yi, it's decided then. 50,000 it is, it's settled."

Yan Bugui quickly raised his glass and clinked it with Yi Zhonghai's. Yan Bugui was quite satisfied, after all, an extra 5 yuan a month was a considerable sum.

"Starting today, you'd better find someone to help the old lady with her chores."

"No problem, come on, Lao Yi, I'll go after we finish this drink."

The two started drinking again, drinking for half an hour until they finished all the peanuts and the bottle of wine. Only then did Yan Bugui pat his butt and go home.

The old lady had been lying in bed all day, begging Cuilan to clean her up. Although she was paralyzed, her nose was still functioning properly, and she had been exposed to the fumes all day.

Aside from bringing her a meal, Li Cui didn't go inside. She kept making excuses, saying that she had already arranged for someone to take care of her and that the house smelled too bad.

The old lady is heartbroken. They say that there are no filial children at the bedside of a chronically ill patient. She has only been paralyzed for a few days, and no one cares about her anymore.

When Yang Ruihua heard that there was money, he happily went to the backyard. When he opened the old lady's door, good heavens, it was an eyesore.

"Grandma, how long has it been since you cleaned this?"

Seeing the old woman lying on the bed with a vacant look in her eyes, Yang Ruihua knew her chance had come. She noticed Li Cuilan hadn't been taking good care of her, and her eyes darted around as she made a mental note. If she could serve this old woman well, she could make a fortune by getting some benefits from her.

Yang Ruihua quickly opened the window and started talking badly about Li Cuilan while he was working.

"Oh dear, Li Cuilan is really something, she doesn't know how to take good care of you. Don't worry, I'll get ready right away."

Yang Ruihua rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning the window for the old lady, applying eye drops as he did so.

"Oh dear, you've been soaking in this water for so long! You'll get bedsores, and bedsores don't last long."

Yang Ruihua was indeed a master at housework. She quickly tidied up the old lady and continued to help her wash her body. The old lady's gaze softened as she looked at her. Yang Ruihua then sprinkled water in the room before taking the bedding and leaving.

Not finding it disgusting, they took it and washed it. After it was clean, they hung it up in the backyard and continued cleaning the old lady's house.

The old lady knew in her heart that Yang Ruihua had probably taken the money, but so what if she did? At least Yang Ruihua would take good care of her. This was much better than Li Cuilan, who only arranged for someone else to take care of her after giving her two small yellow croakers.

Li Cuilan hadn't helped at all, and last night she didn't even give her any food, which made the old lady hate Yi Zhonghai and Li Cuilan to the core.