Uncle Shazhu, a simple-minded man in a courtyard house, persuades people with reason.

If you find chapters 328 and 329 awkward, you can reread chapter 328! I added about 600 more words later.

"A cold and cruel truth: weak nations don't even have the right to wage war. As kings of the forest, a fully grown tiger only needs to lie there to intimidate its inhabitants."

Even a young tiger's roar is merely a source of amusement. War only occurs when powerful nations clash with each other. The emperor should be the one with the strongest army; is there any inherent right or wrong in the system?

Now, whether in military, political, economic, or technological fields, we have caught up. We have no weaknesses, and our strength is undeniable!

He Pingan paused, leaned forward slightly, and stared intently at Feng Liu with sharp eyes.

So, Comrade Fengliu, you need to understand this: it's the bald eagle that begged us to join the alliance, not the other way around. Finally, anyone here can say that, except you…”

He Ping'an looked away from Feng Liu, shook his head in disappointment, and said nothing more.

For the Chinese, dying for their principles and for soldiers to fight to the death is considered an honor that will be remembered for eternity. Not only He Ping'an, but everyone else looked at him with a hint of consideration.

"I……"

Fengliu's expression was tense, and he moved his lips as if he wanted to speak.

He Ping'an raised his hand to interrupt, not giving Feng Liu a chance to explain.

"My suggestion is that we should still seek benefits and join in where appropriate. Of course, support for our African brothers' development can be reduced, but it absolutely cannot stop! When two strong men fight, every bit of strength is precious."

I imagine that even if we go a bit too far, those people will agree.

After a meeting and a few documents, He Ping'an's car drove away from the green-tiled roofs and red walls, and it was evening again.

"Let's go to the courtyard house!" After saying that, He Ping'an leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.

Since 61, the villa at No. 96 Dongjiaomin Lane had been He Ping'an's new home. He only visited the courtyard house during holidays to offer incense to his sister-in-law. Today was different…

Urban infrastructure construction, including landscaping and building renovations, has led to the demolition of almost all old Beijing courtyard houses, except for some former residences of celebrities. Nanluoguxiang is no exception. With decades-old homes about to be demolished, gatherings are inevitable.

Today, He Ping'an naturally doesn't need a show to prove anything. Today is more about finishing what began. Saying goodbye to the past!

Given He Ping'an's status, the courtyard where he once lived would naturally qualify as a former residence open to future generations. However, He Ping'an directly rejected this idea!

A group of people were awkwardly looking around the house, especially in the bedroom.

The car sped along and came to a smooth stop at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang.

Fifty years have passed. The country is newly established and everything is renewed. The walls are repaired and repainted, and the beams and pillars are painted with new paint. Time flies, and twenty-three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The walls were already mottled, with several inconspicuous patches of peeling paint, and the red paint on the door was peeling again, revealing the wood underneath.

As the sun sets, the crimson glow resembles blood... Gray hair, mottled walls—time is the enemy of everything.

Perhaps, it's time for everything to come to an end!

He Ping'an was 21 years old back then, full of youthful vigor. Although he still doesn't seem to have aged, he can no longer have the same mindset as before.

Twenty years of ups and downs, things have changed... Even the little girl I once held in my arms is now holding her own little girl in my arms.

The young woman and He Ruxi got married in the same year. She chose her husband herself; he was a slightly naive but innocent young man. An ordinary family!

The scheming beasts of the past have grown old, and Yan Bugui's black-rimmed glasses, worn because of his limp, have changed color. He still does his volunteer work at the school.

Back in 66, I was even beaten up because of this. In the end, I had to ask He Daqing for help. He Daqing put in a few words for me because we had been neighbors for many years, and that's how I escaped a terrible fate.

In truth, He Ping'an has been a great help to Yan Bugui in both the new policies and the major infrastructure projects. The school workers' income is low, and apart from the eldest son Yan Jiecheng, who successfully tricked Yu Li into coming home during a year of famine...

The second and third sons were both unmarried and unemployed, but they were fortunate enough to be among the first to go to the countryside. Now, with the massive infrastructure construction, the Yan family has also been allocated housing.

Life has hope again!

In the Intermediate People's Court, Qin Huairu, who once flaunted her charms, is now an elderly woman in her forties. Although Li Huaide broke off contact with her in 62 after being reminded by his father-in-law, she still lives a carefree life due to her status as a cadre.

Banggeng was an only child in the family, so there was no need for him to go to the countryside. Although he didn't have a job, Qin Huairu wasn't short of money. And so, he continued to idle away his time doing nothing!

In the backyard, Xu Damao, whose lineage was destined to end, did have a child. Whether it was his or not, no one knew. Having a child naturally meant he wouldn't betray his current in-laws in 66, just as he betrayed the Lou family in the original story.

Today, he still lives a carefree life at the steel rolling mill. When he drinks, he always talks about how his Uncle He was back in the day... Whether it's true or not, everyone is happy to give him face.

Liu Haizhong caused a stir in 66, but then, just like the blacksmith in the original series, he remained steadfast, still wielding his sledgehammer. Three sons…

The eldest son, Liu Guangqi, went to Shijiazhuang years ago and never returned. The second son, Liu Guangtian, worked as a temporary worker at a steel rolling mill. The third son, Liu Guangfu, was sent to the countryside.

The remaining deaf old woman has passed away. She died last year. Li Ze'an, who is usually shy, cried bitterly, tears streaming down his face.

In his later years, he had someone to care for him; after his death, he was remembered fondly. This old man, who lived through the late Qing Dynasty, the Republic of China, and the People's Republic of China, finally had a hopeful old age. He could be considered fortunate!

He Daqing is in his late fifties, almost sixty, and not yet of retirement age. However, with He Ping'an around, he naturally doesn't need to work anymore.

He spends his time at work mentoring his apprentices and at home playing with Li Ze'an's kids; he's content with his lot.

Of the three generations of the He family, Li Ze'an was the first to take over. He entered the factory in 66 and got married in 67 to a college classmate who also joined the steel rolling mill at the same time.

Being able to enter the steel rolling mill as a cadre without graduating naturally implies that one has some status.

As to whether that family was after the He family or not, He Ping'an didn't care. They were destined to have no connection; whether they had ulterior motives or not was irrelevant!

Just as he said back then, his only nephews and nieces were He Yuzhu and He Yushui.

He Yuzhu, born in 35, is 38 years old this year. He still has the same temper, and he can't change it. Fortunately, he has an uncle named He Ping'an, who lives in the steel mill and no one dares to mess with him. He also mentors apprentices.

Cooking? Who would dare order He Changri's nephew to cook! As for He Yuzhu's big boss in the plot, he has to report in advance if he wants to see He Ping'an.

To paraphrase a common saying, He Ping'an has met or sees leaders every day, but they all call him "leader".