Courtyard House: Starting by inheriting the tradition and suppressing the barbarians.

The snow fell exceptionally heavily that night, as if trying to cover up all the filth in the world.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking.

Yan Bugui then took a broom and came out to sweep the snow.

When he swept to the entrance of the courtyard, he noticed a deep tire track in the snow that stretched all the way outside the courtyard.

Looking towards the Jia family's house, well, the door was wide open.

The stench that had lingered in the room for years seemed to have lessened considerably.

"Could it be...?"

Yan Bugui approached and exclaimed, "Hey, that old hag is gone?"

"Looks like it wasn't someone taking out the trash last night, but Qin Huairu who dragged that old hag away and buried her!"

Yan Bugui adjusted his glasses and muttered to himself.

Soon, the three aunties from the front yard, Yi Zhonghai from the back house, and several residents from the back yard all came out.

After inquiring around, everyone learned that Qin Huairu had wrapped Jia Zhangshi in a tattered straw mat in the middle of the night last night.

They borrowed a handcart and buried it overnight.

There was no mourning hall set up, no firecrackers set off, and no neighbors were notified.

He wasn't even dressed in a shroud.

In a traditional courtyard house where "respect for the dead is paramount," this is unimaginably shabby.

However, after everyone confirmed the news...

Surprisingly, not a single person said Qin Huairu was unfilial; on the contrary—

"That's right!"

"That old man was a menace while he was alive, and now he's dead and still causing trouble?"

Although Xu Damao is now down on his luck, his tongue is still sharp. "If you ask me, even a straw mat is a waste!"

"Just throw them into a mass grave and feed them to the dogs!"

"Hush! Damao, please be more polite."

Although Yan Bugui said this, he had a smile on his face. "But then again..."

"It's definitely much quieter in our courtyard now that that old hag is gone."

"I used to hear her cursing every day; I was so tired of it."

"Yes, yes, that's what they call 'evil begets evil.'"

The crowd chatted amongst themselves, but their tone did not convey sadness.

Rather, it's the feeling of relief and joy that comes from finally getting rid of the plague.

This is the failure of Jia Zhangshi in her conduct.

She lived her whole life, and in the end, she didn't even have a single person who would pretend to sympathize with her.

......

While the Intermediate Court was still buzzing with discussion, and the atmosphere was somewhat gloomy and somber.

suddenly!

"Beep beep!"

A crisp, loud car horn blared at the entrance of the alley.

Immediately afterwards, a black Hongqi sedan with a special license plate slowly came to a stop at the entrance of the courtyard house.

The car body gleamed, reflecting a dazzling light in the snow.

"Oh! Whose extended family has come to visit?"

Yan Bugui's eyes lit up, and he threw down the broom and ran over.

The car door opened, and two guards in military uniforms with ramrod straight backs stepped out.

They were carrying large and small bags of gifts, including specially supplied milk powder and brown sugar.

There were also longevity locks and silk quilt covers that looked quite valuable.

Then, the rear door opened.

Li Xuan carefully helped Hua Youlin, who was wrapped up tightly, out of the car.

Hua Youlin was holding a pink swaddled baby in her arms.

"Has she given birth?"

Yan Bugui exclaimed in surprise, then his face was filled with a fawning smile.

They were even closer than when they saw their own father.

"Oh my! Li Xuan! Congratulations!"

"This is the joy of welcoming a son... oh no, look at this swaddling clothes, is it a daughter?"

"Yes, it's a girl."

Li Xuan's face was beaming with the joy of becoming a father for the first time.

That genuine smile made this usually aloof man appear exceptionally gentle.

He was naturally aware of what happened last night.

But he didn't care at all.

The old hag is dead, and now it's finally peaceful.

What she didn't expect was that Qin Huairu would actually stand by and watch someone die without offering any help.

This woman is far more vicious than she imagined!

"It's so cold outside, please make way for me."

Li Xuan smiled slightly at the neighbors.

"Nonsense! Nonsense!"

Yan Bugui quickly called out to the crowd, "What are you all standing there for?"

"Quickly congratulate Doctor Li!"

"Our department has produced a golden phoenix!"

In an instant, the neighbors who had been discussing the funeral arrangements around the Jia family rushed to the backyard like a tide.

Congratulations, Dr. Li!

Congratulations, Comrade Hua!

"This child is so handsome, like a doll from a New Year's painting!"

Auspicious words flowed out like they were free.

The two guards didn't put on airs; they took a box of White Rabbit milk candy out of the car and grabbed a handful from everyone they saw.

"These are wedding candies from the commander; let's all share in the joy!"

"A gift from the commander?"

Yan Bugui clutched a large handful of high-end milk candies that he couldn't usually afford, and his hands were trembling with excitement.

"My God, Li Xuan's influence... it's truly boundless!"

The backyard was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.

Li Xuan specially had two large red lanterns hung up, making the main room look bright and festive.

The room was warm and cozy, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

Although Old Chen did not come in person, he sent someone to deliver a calligraphy scroll with the words "Joy and Peace" written in his own hand.

Li Xuan even solemnly hung it in the central hall.

That's what prestige is all about.

This is what constitutes a profound foundation.

......

But behind this bustling and noisy scene...

The Intermediate People's Court, the Jia family.

Qin Huairu, wrapped in that tattered cotton-padded coat, huddled behind the broken window of her house like a ghost.

The room was as cold as an icebox.

She peered through the crack in the window, staring intently at the direction of the backyard.

She saw the impressive sedan.

She saw that the neighbors who usually rolled their eyes at her were now bowing and scraping to Li Xuan.

They saw the child Li Xuan was holding in his arms; it was a princess born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

They also saw Hua Youlin being carefully protected by Li Xuan.

Although the woman had just given birth, her complexion was rosy, her demeanor was noble, and her eyes were full of happiness and peace.

At this moment, her jealousy reached its peak!

Why is this woman so happy?

Why should she have to live such a miserable life?

If she hadn't chosen to oppose Li Xuan, but instead tried to please him...

So now, can I sit in one of those cars?

Could I also live that kind of wonderful life that everyone envies?

But there's no going back in this world!

"Waaaaah..."

Qin Huairu covered her mouth and let out a suppressed and desperate cry.

Regret gnawed at her heart like a venomous snake.

On one side, it's a joyous occasion with a large and distinguished gathering.

On one hand, there was a funeral where the family was destitute and the body was wrapped in a straw mat.

The red and white colors were like two knives, tearing her life apart and leaving it bleeding.

"Li Xuan!!"

Qin Huairu dug her nails deep into the rotten wood of the windowsill, tears of blood streaming from her eyes.

The better you do, the more pain I suffer.

"God, why are you so unfair!"

"Why are you punishing me like this!"

However, God did not answer her.

Only the sounds of firecrackers and laughter from the backyard drifted into the lifeless house on the cold wind.

It was like a series of loud slaps, relentlessly striking her already aged face.

......