I, Yan Jiefang, will live to 2025 in this courtyard house.

After listening to Yan Jiefang's instructions and repeated admonitions, the brothers Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu exchanged a glance, nodded vigorously, and firmly remembered every word, afraid of misremembering even a single word.

When Yan Jiefang waved for them to leave, the two suppressed their excitement, turned around, and quickly left the lakeside, heading straight towards Banchang Hutong.

For the past few years, Liu Guangtian has been carrying heavy bags at the train station, enduring a lot of hardship.

But even back in the courtyard house, he would still be beaten every now and then.

Given his status in the family, it's almost impossible for Liu Haizhong to spend money to find him a job.

Based on the original story, he might not get a job until a year or two after the boss, Liu Guangqi, absconded with the money.

This time, Liu Haizhong vented almost all his resentment about his unsuccessful career on his two sons.

As for Liu Guangfu, who was only nine years old, he lived in the shadow of belts and scolding from a young age.

When they were desperate, they were advised by Yan Jiekuang to seek help from Yan Jiefang. This was the first time in their lives that the two brothers mustered up the courage to try to break free from Liu Haizhong's harsh beatings and scoldings.

The two knew the way well and wandered into the alley. Before long, they found the Nanluo Neighborhood Committee with a wooden sign hanging on it.

After entering the courtyard, remembering Yan Jiefang's instructions, the emotions they had been holding back all the way finally broke down. The two brothers' eyes reddened, and they stood in the middle of the courtyard, sobbing.

Upon seeing this, the staff on duty immediately put down their work, got up, and pulled the two children aside to comfort and inquire about their condition.

Liu Guangtian wiped away his tears and recounted how the two brothers had been beaten and scolded for no reason, forced to run away and starve, and dared not go home for days. He even rolled up his sleeves and lifted the corners of his clothes to reveal the old, crisscrossing wounds and new red marks on his body, which were shocking to see.

This matter quickly alarmed the two leading cadres and other staff members of the neighborhood committee.

Director Wang of the neighborhood committee has been involved in grassroots work in Nanluoguxiang since the military control period. He understands the ins and outs of maintaining stability in the area best and has always adhered to the principle of turning big problems into small ones and small problems into nothing.

Upon hearing that the troublemakers were the two sons of Liu Haizhong, the second uncle of the family in courtyard house number 95, he immediately frowned.

Courtyard No. 95 was the "civilized courtyard" she nominated.

It's not easy to deal with such egregious acts of beating and scolding children openly and honestly.

Especially with so many people watching.

If not handled properly, it will not only look bad on her, but it will also definitely affect her performance evaluation.

In one instance, she had an affair with the deaf old woman in the courtyard and Yi Zhonghai, which could not be made public.

If she gets involved, she might not even be able to keep her official position.

Thinking of this, Director Wang's gaze towards the Liu brothers unconsciously turned into one of disgust.

Director Wang is not far from Director Li.

She was a backbone cadre with new-era ideas, who fought against the Japanese invaders and the skinheads during the War of Resistance Against Japan, and fought many tough battles.

Moreover, her eldest son, who was around ten years old, also tragically died in the war.

Therefore, she has always been tough and upright, and she cannot tolerate any bullying of the weak, especially parents who use discipline as an excuse to violently punish children.

After listening to the brothers' tearful account and seeing the various wounds, her expression immediately darkened, and she said firmly:

"I'm determined to handle this matter; I must go there to thoroughly investigate and deal with it fairly!"

Director Wang knew his colleague's temperament, and although he was unwilling, he still nodded and said:

"This is indeed a terrible matter. Let's go to that courtyard together and take a look."

Before the sun had completely set, two neighborhood committee cadres, along with several staff members and militia members, stepped into the courtyard.

Upon seeing the large group of neighborhood committee cadres approaching, Yan Bugui, who was waiting near the gate, immediately greeted them with a broad smile:

"Director Wang, Director Li, if any policies are issued, you only need to notify a few of us. Why bother making this trip?"

Director Wang had a stern face:

"This matter is very serious. Go and notify all residents in the compound to gather at the central courtyard. We will hold a general meeting for the entire compound."

Upon seeing this, Yan Bugui's heart tightened, and he quickly responded:

"receive!"

After saying that, the old man ran into the yard and quickly instructed his three sons to go to the three courtyards to notify everyone to attend a meeting. Director Wang from the neighborhood committee had arrived!

Liu Haizhong had just finished eating and was sitting at his doorstep digesting his food, pondering how to manage the affairs of the courtyard and regain the face he had lost.

Upon hearing Yan Jiecheng announce the meeting, he immediately perked up, stood up, and strolled toward the moon gate connecting the middle and back courtyards.

When he peeked out to look at the situation at the Intermediate People's Court, he suddenly noticed Director Wang and Director Li standing in the middle, and then saw his two sons standing behind the two directors, looking rather reserved.

My heart skipped a beat, and my face immediately turned ashen. I knew without a doubt that these two unfilial sons had gone to the street to complain about me!

Although he didn't know how they dared to do it, it didn't stop him from being furious.

These two beasts are trying to destroy the very foundation of his positive and upward spirit!

Liu Haizhong immediately became furious. He rushed out of the moon gate and, before Director Wang and the others could speak, began to defend himself. Surprisingly, his words were clear, logical, and firm:

"Director Wang, Director Li, you've come to my door today, presumably about my two sons!"

I'm making this clear today: I discipline my sons purely for their own good!

The old saying goes, "Spare the rod and spoil the child." If a child is unruly, runs away from home, and lacks ambition, and is not strictly disciplined, they will surely go astray in the future!

Upon hearing this, before Director Li could speak, Yi Zhonghai, who was standing to the side, stepped forward first:

"Directors, what Lao Liu said is true; he is indeed a dedicated and responsible mediator in the backyard."

The child is young and easily agitated. After being scolded and disciplined a few times, he impulsively ran to the neighborhood committee to complain.

His eyes were sincere.

"Old Liu is usually conscientious and responsible in his work and pays close attention to things in the yard. He hit the two children this time because he was angry and accidentally hit them too hard. Please forgive him, and I believe he will never do it again."

Sha Zhu squeezed to the front of the crowd, and without thinking, immediately echoed them:

"Yes, yes, Director! Grandpa Liu is just too meticulous and too responsible!"

Which child hasn't been spanked by their parents when they were little? These two are just too spoiled and don't know what's good for them; it's a complete overreaction!

On the side of the crowd, Yan Bugui kept his hands tucked into his sleeves, slightly bowing his body, remaining silent throughout, only squinting as he quietly watched the show, showing no intention of getting involved whatsoever.

The two directors clearly looked off; if you still dared to approach them, wouldn't you be asking for trouble?

After listening to the excuses of these people in the courtyard, Director Wang cursed inwardly: They're all idiots! How could I have been so blind as to choose these guys as mediators?

She doesn't even consider how much effort she put into it and how much she benefited from it.

Director Li stepped forward and slammed his hand heavily on the table, drawing the attention of the entire hospital.