Chapter 107

Yang Qing didn't urge further, because a single sentence from Sun Hongqi made him lose confidence in the future.

Even in 1963, when he successfully changed his classification during a re‑examination, could he surely escape that future disaster?

He had no confidence at all.

If he were really just an ordinary person, a poor wretch, then it would be fine.

But the gloom hidden beneath the treasure gave him the illusion of having nowhere to escape.

"First, let's see how the summer harvest goes; if the summer harvest improves, we'll save fifteen grain coupons each month from our rations for Mother, and with those fifteen jin of grain things will be much better."

"If the summer harvest is still poor, we'll make a trip back, bring the people back; natural disasters and human misfortunes cannot be changed by human effort, and uncertain factors will only increase, so it's better to take them over and be at ease."

Chen Hong felt somewhat relieved hearing Yang Qing's assurance.

Although she had mailed back fifty yuan, she later drew ten jin of grain coupons from her own grain ledger, exchanged them for national ones, and mailed them back.

But she still had no confidence in her heart.

So many have died, conditions below are dire—does the area still have any grain?

If it weren't for the decent wild‑vegetable harvest this year, which gave her a bit of reassurance, she really would have couldn't help but return.

"Then let's wait until after the summer harvest to talk about it."

Seeing that Chen Hong's spirits were low, Yang Qing told her what Director Wang had said about letting her go back to help with work.

"Aunt Wang told you to go back tomorrow."

"So I've decided to bring Grandma over today."

"I've prepared all the furniture."

Chen Hong felt quite guilty upon hearing Director Wang.

These days, Aunt Wang has not only been busy with street and bureau affairs, but also has to console herself.

And she herself resented her for dragging Yang Qing into trouble and even lost her temper.

"Then let's move."

"This way I won't have to run back and forth tomorrow either."

In fact, the old lady had already packed up; aside from bedding and clothes, there was nothing else worth bringing, and everything fit into one box.

Yang Qing went out and found two tricycles, using one tricycle to haul the goods.

The other tricycle was for the old lady to sit on, with Yang Qing and his wife supporting her from both sides.

All the way they arrived at the siheyuan, just in time for the end of work.

Yan Fu Gui was already waiting at the gate.

Seeing Yang Qing's moving‑house demeanor, he stepped forward to help.

"Yang Qing, what's going on?"

San Da Ye is currently trying to get close to Chen Hong; Yang Qing can probably guess the reason, since Chen Hong works for the jiedao.

"San Da Ye, this is my grandmother."

"She will live in our courtyard from now on."

"Please look after her from now on."

San Da Ye nodded repeatedly.

"Of course, of course."

He turned to the old lady and greeted her.

"Old lady, I'm the San Da Ye of this courtyard; if you have any matters, just come find me."

The old lady also smiled and said.

"Thank you for the trouble; my surname is Xing, comrade—I can see you have an air of scholarship; what do you do?"

Yan Fu Gui had his identity seen through by the old lady right upon meeting, realizing she was not ordinary, and he became even more respectful.

"Aunt Xing, I'm Yan Fu Gui; your keen eyes are impressive—you can tell I'm a teacher."

The old lady kindly nodded.

"Fu Gui, what a good name."

"Being a teacher is even better—educating the youth, filling the world with peach and plum."

Yan Fu Gui's impression of the old lady improved upon hearing that.

"Hehe, that's enough—just being able to teach at Red Star Elementary School is sufficient."

Speaking, he took Yang Qing's place and supported the old lady.

As they walked, he introduced the siheyuan to the old lady.

"Besides me, there are a few households in the front courtyard; the young man living in the eastern gatehouse has no steady job and just idles his days away."

…………

"This is my home; further in is the Gu Ning household…………"

…………

Yan Fu Gui gave a brief introduction all the way.

Yang Qing followed behind, holding the box.

The delivery master helped hold the bedding bundle.

All the way they reached the middle courtyard, where Yi Zhonghai and Qin Huairu both saw the old lady.

The old lady bore a formidable presence, supported by Yan Fu Gui like an elderly Buddha.

Yi Zhonghai frowned and asked.

"San Da Ye, what is this?"

Yan Fu Gui explained.

Aunt Xing, this is the eldest master of the middle courtyard, the eldest master, called Yi Zhonghai.

She then introduced Yi Zhonghai.

Old Yi, this is Aunt Xing, Yang Qing's grandmother; from now on she'll be living in our courtyard.

Yi Zhonghai furrowed his brow.

Why didn't you tell me? Outsiders aren't allowed to just move in.

Yan Fu Gui looked at Yi Zhonghai as if he were an idiot, giving him a glance.

Chen Hong, unhappy, spoke up.

This is my adoptive grandmother; she was living uncomfortably in the military compound, so I brought her here to take care of her.

The matter was arranged by Director Wang of the Jiedao; do you, the eldest master, need me to call Director Wang over to confront you?

The old lady also looked at Yi Zhonghai, smiling.

It seems this eldest master doesn't welcome this old lady.

Upon hearing that she came from the military compound, Yi Zhonghai's head buzzed.

This is not something he can provoke.

Yi Da Ma reacted the fastest, she went straight to the old lady's side and snatched the old lady from Yan Fu Gui's hands.

Aunt Xing, in that case, my Old Yi is just used to being vigilant; upon seeing outsiders he just wants to ask.

But you're not an outsider; you're clearly one of us.

We live in our Siheyuan; that makes us one family.

Yi Zhonghai, interrupted by Yi Da Ma's remark, immediately came to his senses.

Yes, yes, old lady, I was wrong just now; my occupational habit acted up.

A few years ago, weren't we catching bad elements? The task assigned to us elders was to pay attention to strangers, and slowly we developed this habit.

Since you're from Yang Qing's family, you're one of us.

Our courtyard used to be an outstanding Siheyuan, receiving commendation from the Jiedao.

Since you've moved in, you're family; you can stay with peace of mind.

Just then, He Yuzhu heard the commotion and came out.

Yi Zhonghai directly conscripted a strong laborer.

Zhuzi, today the old lady moved into our courtyard; we also need to show our respect.

Good cooking skills—go show the old lady a couple of tricks.

He Yuzhu looked bewildered, pointing at himself.

Me?

I didn't mishear, did I? This is Yang Qing's acknowledged grandmother, right?

You want me to cook for her? A few days ago, you were the one who gave Yang Qing a hard time, right?

Yi Zhonghai kept giving He Yuzhu meaningful looks, his eyes almost twitching.

Although He Yuzhu understood his meaning, he was still pretending to be clueless.

Yi Da Ma once again saved the situation.

Zhuzi, respecting the elderly and loving the young is our courtyard's traditional virtue; you can't fall behind.

He Yuzhu didn't give Yi Zhonghai face, but he still had to give Yi Da Ma face.

Yi Da Ma's role has always been that of a half-mother.

Although He Yushui is mainly taken care of by Qin Huairu, it is Yi Da Ma who shows concern for He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu nodded.

Alright, I'll show the old lady a trick.

Yang Qing watched from behind.

After Chen Hong revealed the old lady's identity, the atmosphere of the courtyard instantly changed.

Yi Zhonghai, who had come to question, became an old lady's eunuch, beginning to show devotion to the old lady.

Yang Qing looked at Yi Da Ma, and at that moment he felt that Yi Da Ma was not ordinary.

The reaction was too fast.

This is definitely not the reaction and insight an ordinary woman should have.

This eldest master's family is a bit strange.

With Yi Zhonghai setting the example, Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu successively greeted the old lady.

Even the unlucky Bang Geng obediently called out 'great-grandmother'.