[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji":3,"chapter-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-983":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Siheyuan: Food, Love, and Family in 1960s Beijing",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2315033,4526,"Chapter 983: Let","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-983",983,"\u003Cp>“Ah! Baba!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu wore a fluffy little vest, a tiger hat on her head, and cotton gloves on her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood in the hallway, gazing toward the front gate, clapping her hands excitedly as Baba entered the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Who’s this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled, standing in the courtyard, studying the girl in the hallway and asked: “Is this beautiful little girl really mine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gigglegigglegiggle~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu wasn’t the least bit shy at being praised by Baba; she bounced on her feet, eager to run out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Ning stood behind her; when she turned back, all she got was Mama shaking her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She truly wanted to run out and greet Baba, but Mama wouldn’t let her—so she could only wait in the hallway for Baba… to bring back the gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru opened the gate for Peng Xiaoli and Han Jiankun, watching Li Shu wobbling with laughter in the hallway, and sighed: “She heard the car and ran out with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled in response, walking toward the hallway as he asked: “Sweetheart, did you miss Daddy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Missed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu solemnly patted her own belly with her tiny hand, indicating she missed him right here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu laughed, climbed the steps, exchanged a glance with Gu Ning, then crouched down and picked up the little dignitary-like Li Shu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he meant to carry the child outside, Gu Ning reminded him: “There’s snow on the steps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s walk slowly~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu replied with a smile, then asked his daughter: “Want to go out and play?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu shrieked, pointing excitedly toward the gate as Han Jiankun walked in carrying a large crate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jiankun laughed at Li Shu’s shrill cry—this little girl’s favorite thing every time her father returned from a trip was unwrapping gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu carried her down the steps and set her down in the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu could walk fine, but she looked clumsy—perhaps because her clothes were so thick, making her look puffy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or maybe she was just too young—only one and a half years old; you couldn’t expect more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come with me~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jiankun brought the crate inside, then came out and teased her, pointing to the gate: “Come with me, help me carry things~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ooh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu heard Uncle calling her for help, pretended not to understand, pointed at the gate, and chattered nonsense under her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru came from the gate, carrying bags just like Peng Xiaoli—filled with dried goods, not heavy at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said to Li Xuewu: “She’s clever—says every word she wants to, and pretends not to understand when she doesn’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s talking about us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu crouched down, hugged his daughter from behind, and asked: “Is Auntie talking about us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ooh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu had reached the age where children like to pick at their mouths, but her tiny mittens covered her hands, making it impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her big eyes darted between the crates being carried from the car into the house—she knew well: inside were probably snacks for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d never gone without treats; wherever Li Xuewu went, he never forgot his daughter’s snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this little girl had learned: whenever Daddy disappeared for a while, he always came back with something delicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recently, Pei Jungang from Jinmen Seafood had specially arranged a trade train to ship her a whole crate of seafood snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still remembered those little snacks Li Xuewu bought during last year’s training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of last year, the steel mill partnered with Jinmen Seafood Corporation; because of his connection with Li Xuewu, Pei Jungang got promoted half a rank—gained real benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d connected with Deputy General Manager Zhang Zhang of the seafood corporation, so of course he wouldn’t forget Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crate of dried shrimp and little fish from Jinmen hadn’t even been finished yet, and now more crates of Yingcheng specialties had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu stood obediently before Baba, answering his questions cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the crates being unloaded, she saw Uncle Han go out again to drop off Uncle Peng; Baba told her to say goodbye—but she refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She twisted her body, trying to run inside, afraid that if she waited too long, Auntie would put all the good stuff away and not give it to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mine! All mine! Ah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two divide the stuff in the car yourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu carried Li Shu into the hallway, then turned to see Peng Xiaoli and the others out the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave Han Jiankun a few instructions, then watched the command vehicle drive off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shut the gate, glanced at the snow in the courtyard—Jingcheng’s snowfall was as heavy as Jinmen’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was too much stuff in the car; it wasn’t convenient to split it for Peng Xiaoli now, so they’d delivered Li Xuewu first, then circle back to drop off Peng Xiaoli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Sha Qizhi, Peng Xiaoli was talkative and cheerful, didn’t refuse the local specialties Li Xuewu gave him, kept muttering about how proud his family would be when he brought them home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu knew he was young, learned faster than Sha Qizhi, and with proper guidance, this kind of talent wouldn’t go to waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pretending, flattery, sucking up, socializing—Li Xuewu didn’t care about any of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, judge ability; second, character; third, results. Don’t expect someone you promote to stay loyal forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only an immature cadre would think that way—only a leader with zero security would appoint relatives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When assigning or transferring posts, selecting people—never assume the position is yours, that those you pick must obey you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you lack fairness, the outcome will slip from your control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, ability—so they won’t cause trouble below; second, character—so they won’t get themselves into trouble; third, results—so they won’t get you, the recommender, into trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you pick someone upright, based purely on fairness, they’ll still respect you; if you pick your own person and they go off track, they’ll still betray you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, the security team underwent personnel adjustments—all cadres above deputy section level were present, except Yu De, who was on duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of everyone, Li Xuewu made his selections: who goes where, no explanations, no justifications—purely based on his judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look around—anyone here dissatisfied?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether original security department cadres or discipline inspection cadres, none dared to challenge him in the security team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Li Xuewu himself never played favorites—others wouldn’t dare try such tricks in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli watched as Sha Qizhi, after serving Li Xuewu for a year, leapt from a clerk position straight to a powerful deputy section chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never mind where Sha Qizhi might go next—right now, who doesn’t say he’s mature, steady, and young but talented?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu never promised Sha Qizhi anything, never gained anything from him; their superior-subordinate and secretary-leader relationship was handled perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Sha Qizhi as an example, Peng Xiaoli knew his place, understood what he should do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the hallway, the local specialties were stacked half a person high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu stood there, staring longingly, her fluffy ear muffs making her eyelashes look especially long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled and asked: “Who made these cute little clothes? So pretty~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu ignored her father’s teasing, pointed at the crate by the gate, and told him she wanted to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu helplessly tapped her cheek and said: “You’re turning into a meatball—still eating?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ball!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu repeated the word, then clumsily toddled into the inner room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru hurried to the kitchen; only Gu Ning, hand on her waist, stood in the living room watching her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu changed into slippers at the door, set down his bag, and smiled: “Even you know you’re a ball~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu pointed at the rubber ball in the toy box, then turned and walked back toward the hallway without looking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu stared helplessly as Li Shu passed him—he didn’t know what to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you say she’s disobedient, she just pointed out the “ball” you mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if you say she’s obedient, she’s fixated on the crate by the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t give her any.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning stopped Li Xuewu from coddling the child and said: “If she gets snacks, she won’t eat meals properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu helplessly shrugged at his daughter, who turned back to look at him, signaling he had to obey Mama too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu stared at Baba, then at Mama, pouted, and trudged inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu and Gu Ning stood in the living room, not moving to comfort her—she hid behind the sofa before bursting into tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wuuuuu~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahh~ There, there~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a father, Li Xuewu couldn’t stand this; ignoring Gu Ning’s look, he surrendered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly hung his coat on the rack and rushed behind the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight of this little girl sitting on the floor, back against the sofa, crying, nearly broke Li Xuewu’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, even if she asked for dragon meat, he’d go get it for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, let’s find snacks!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu picked her up from the floor and, facing Gu Ning’s reproachful gaze, marched stubbornly toward the hallway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu lay in Baba’s arms, stole a glance at Mama, then shyly hid her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s see what Dad brought back for Li Shu to eat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked every bit the doting father—even if he’d get scolded by Gu Ning later, right now he had to attend to Li Shu first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t actually know what Xu Si had packed, so he just rummaged through the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bags stacked beside didn’t need attention—they were clearly dried wood ear mushrooms, dried shiitake, or some other dried vegetables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the items inside the box contained moisture and were edible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding~ ding~ ding~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu felt a round, bumpy object and assumed it was an apple or pear; he pulled it out to show off to his daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But under the lamplight, he saw it was a pomegranate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was ridiculous—pomegranates from Yingcheng?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could Li Xuewu not know?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Yingcheng was famous for apples and crabs; everything else was musical instruments and seafood. For a pomegranate to show up here was treating him like an idiot!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s expression changed, but Li Shu was delighted, thinking her dad was teasing her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She burst into laughter, even snorting out a snot bubble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re still laughing~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Giggle-giggle-giggle~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu reached for the pomegranate, but Li Xuewu tossed it back into the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This isn’t edible—careful, it might choke you. Let’s find something else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed aside the top box and dug into the one beneath—it was frozen seafood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After digging through several more boxes, he finally found the apples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shoved one into Li Shu’s arms, warned her not to eat it yet until it was washed, took two for himself, and turned to head back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu hugged the big apple; seeing her mom look over, she grinned and held it up for her to see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning smiled too, tapping her little hand. “Dinner’s almost ready—do you want to eat the apple now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! ... Eat~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She answered firmly at first, then realized that might seem disobedient, so she glanced at her dad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu set his daughter on the sofa, took off her gloves, then removed her hat and ear muffs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her still clutching the apple, he tapped her little hand. “Is it cold?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu looked down at the apple her dad pointed to and nodded. “Mama!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your hands are cold already—your belly won’t tolerate it, it’ll hurt~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu held up the two apples in his hand. “Too cold. Let’s wash them, leave them here, and let them warm up a bit before eating, okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu glanced at the apple reluctantly, unwilling to answer her dad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This one’s for you. Neither Dad nor Mom will eat it—it’s all yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu patiently explained again, pointing to the apples in his hand. “These are for Dad and Mom. Okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu finally understood. She set the apple down on the sofa and covered it with her little hat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her tiny mind, if Dad said the apple needed warming up, it was just like when her aunt told her to wear a hat to stay warm when going out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu had no choice but to look up at Gu Ning and let out a long, deep sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising children wasn’t just about giving birth—it required patient, step-by-step teaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning paced around the room, one hand supporting her lower back, her eyes never leaving Li Xuewu and his daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Catching Li Xuewu’s gaze, she smirked. “When you’re not home, she’s well-behaved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not because I spoil her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu helped his daughter unbutton her fluffy little cardigan—it was still new, handmade. “Did Jingru make this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom brought it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning glanced toward the kitchen. “Didn’t know you were coming back today. She came by this morning and said your sister-in-law’s due soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu did a quick mental calculation—it was indeed a January due date.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wiped her tear-streaked cheek and nose with her handkerchief. “Did she say where she’ll give birth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I suggested she come to our place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning stood behind the sofa, gripping the backrest. “But Mom wants her to deliver at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital—it’s closer to home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Li Xuewu, hesitated, then added: “She seems worried about bothering us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not necessarily—maybe she has other reasons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu knew his mother didn’t want to trouble him, but he couldn’t add psychological pressure on Gu Ning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up Li Shu and set her down. “Go play,” he said, then comforted: “The TCM Hospital is Dad’s workplace, and he’s close with the leadership there—it’s just about convenience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If all else fails, she can stay at home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning glanced at the first-floor room. “Or she could be admitted early.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll go back tomorrow morning and ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tapped his daughter. “Aren’t we supposed to take her back to Grandma’s to play?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll see—if it’s too much trouble, don’t bother Grandma.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning hesitated. “If your sister-in-law gives birth, Grandma will have to care for the baby, and Mom will have to care for her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, mm, don’t worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu felt the room was too warm, so he took off his sweater and, in just his shirt, took three apples to the bathroom to wash them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu’s eyes were sharp—she saw her dad taking her apple and trailed after him, terrified he’d steal it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Xuewu came out, he caught her gaze and helplessly tapped her little nose. “How do you have so many tricks? Who did you inherit this from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dinner, Qin Jingru helped Gu Ning upstairs to rest, then called Han Jiankun to help pack up the boxes and dried goods at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu entertained Li Shu while urging them to take some things back for themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru asked what else was in the car; Han Jiankun said each item had some left—they’d split it with Peng Xiaoli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need. We’re eating three meals here every day—why take anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She waved him off to keep working and helped Li Shu press apple juice in the juicer, then handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu was curious—she wanted to taste everything. She usually ate apples, but today’s, brought by Dad, seemed extra delicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was bedtime, and she was exhausted. She drank only half the juice Qin Jingru gave her, then handed the rest to Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Share the stuff Jiankun got with relatives at home—my mother eats little.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru muttered as she tidied Li Shu’s small clothes off the sofa. “Liu Shen said Yu Li made them—she’s really skillful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She examined the fluffy little garment, glanced at it a few times, then sighed in admiration: “I could never make something like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu was used to her rapid-fire chatter—every night she delivered this same monologue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu’s fluffy coat had rabbit fur lining—he had no idea where Yu Li had gotten it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, Yu Li had always arranged his clothes; now she did the same for Li Shu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His own clothes were custom-made by Li the Tailor, including Gu Ning’s—but Li Shu’s clothes never needed worry; every month, Yu Li remembered her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru mentioned this now—intentionally or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu knew her hidden thought: she feared that if she got pregnant, Li Xuewu would ask Yu Li to come live with them to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was being ridiculous—she knew Yu Li worked at the club now, yet still worried about this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they needed someone to care for the child or Gu Ning, they’d never ask Yu Li—it’d be inconvenient and make both Yu Li and Gu Ning uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’d say she’s short-sighted, yet she handled all household chores perfectly—nothing ever fell to Gu Ning or Li Xuewu to worry about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But you’d also say she was efficient and quick-handed—yet her mouth was like a machine gun, spouting useless things without a thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone with half a brain wouldn’t say these things to Li Xuewu’s face—better to whisper them to Gu Ning behind his back. Wouldn’t that be more considerate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Xuewu ignored her. Even Han Jiankun shot her a glare, and still, he paid no mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman with no guile, who’s quick and capable, who never steals, takes, or harms you—she just talks too much. So what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they brought in someone who never spoke, but whose eyes darted around suspiciously—he’d never trust them with his home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved Han Jiankun off, signaling him to hurry and get home early to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his boss didn’t care, Han Jiankun went back to packing the items at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew his wife’s temperament, her personality, and her thoughts all too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, when he thought about it at night, she’d nag for hours—no matter how much he explained, it was useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Women, once they fixate on something, no amount of talking helps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asks you: What’s 1 + 1?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say: 2.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She says: I’ve been calculating for ages, and I keep getting it wrong—what’s 1 + 1 really?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say: 2. It’s 2.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She says: Yesterday you got it right, but now it’s wrong for me—your calculation must be wrong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say: It really is 2.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She says: I told you not to buy these pencils—they mess up your math! You never listen! Look at Xiao Ming next door—he uses ballpoint pens, and he gets it right every time. Why won’t you listen to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say: Fine, I’ll buy ballpoint pens. Go ahead—write a 1, then a +1, and try again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She says: Ugh! I’ve been calculating for ages and got it wrong every time! I was stuck there for hours—what if I exhaust myself and die from overthinking?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You walked to the table, wrote “1+1=2,” then turned to look at your wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your wife would glare at you and demand irrationally: What are you staring at me for?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could you say?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could you possibly say!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You could only say: Nothing, I just wanted to tell you I’ve finished calculating 1+1=2.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clearly knows she’s being unreasonable, yet still insists: You’re getting impatient with me, aren’t you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside you’re screaming “idiot,” but you keep your tone calm, soothing her: No~ no~ no~.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now listen, she’s going to tell you: So love just disappears, right?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this very moment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this very moment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You just want to drag your father-in-law out of the house and slap him hard across the face!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let him see how harmful a defective product can be!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jiankun couldn’t stand up to Qin Jingru—not because he couldn’t beat her or argue her down, but because he was both angry and heartbroken for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Qin Jingru’s temper, not even he could handle her—her own mother had to endure and accommodate her at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that his mother was gentle or easy to bully; she’d told him: Don’t get angry or upset over anything she says—just pretend you didn’t hear it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was just born with an unnecessary mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how late she came home, Qin Jingru always checked on her room to see if she’d slept well, and felt beneath her to check if she was warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Household expenses, clothes, hats, shoes, socks—all taken care of without her lifting a finger; money in the drawers was never touched; no matter how tired she was at night, she still woke up early to cook breakfast for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She yelled and screamed at Han Jiankun, but never once raised her voice at the old lady—tell me, could his mother ever have let him yell at his wife?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His aunt-in-law once saw it: Qin Jingru had scolded Han Jiankun harshly, said nothing outwardly, but later went behind his mother’s back to badmouth Qin Jingru.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The result? The old lady told his aunt-in-law: Don’t come to the house again—you’re too disruptive, I don’t want to host you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it wasn’t that Qin Jingru gossiped excessively at Li Xuewu’s home—she acted this way even at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t stand up to her; seeing how leaders with composure just ignored her, he figured that was the way to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wife was even introduced to him by a superior—both of them just have to put up with each other, no one gets to pick on the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru didn’t know any of this; after tidying up Li Shu’s clothes, she went to sort out the clothes Li Xuewu had brought back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which needed washing, which needed ironing, which needed mending—she sorted them all carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While working, she chattered nonstop, but it wasn’t annoying—like a tractor: efficient at work, but the exhaust pipe had to puff and sputter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t care what she’s muttering about—just rest, let her work, neither of you interferes with the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu was a sleepyhead—woke up early, went to bed early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she hadn’t napped at noon, she’d have been asleep already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dampening a towel with hot water, Qin Jingru wiped Li Shu’s little mouth, then gestured upstairs, signaling Li Xuewu to take the child to bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded, pointed to the door, then carried the child up to the upstairs rest area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple didn’t know when they’d finish—they were still bustling downstairs when Li Xuewu woke up the next morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the fact they’d changed clothes, you’d think they’d never left the house the night before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, when Qin Jingru married, she hadn’t altered her room here—many of her belongings still remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever Li Xuewu went on a business trip, Qin Jingru would stay with Gu Ning at home; sometimes Han Jiankun stayed with her too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Downstairs, Han Jiankun wore a cotton coat and an apron—he first cleared the ashes from the stove, then added more firewood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru pulled back the curtains, watered the houseplants, then went to the kitchen to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jiankun came out of the kitchen and began tidying the fireplace, adding more wood to ignite it, changing the fish tank water, and clearing snow and ice from the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not everyone can afford to live in a villa—even having money isn’t enough; you need a lot of money, otherwise just maintaining the house could kill you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re not living in a house—you’re guarding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had Li Xuewu originally chosen this place as their wedding home, and also prepared a room in the Sihe Academy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t it because he feared neither he nor Gu Ning could handle the household chores?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither of them was capable of managing domestic affairs, nor did either have time to do them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at the Sihe Academy—how many times has Li Xuewu lit a fire or tidied up the house?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every morning, Grandmother had already tended the stove; every night, the old lady kept the fire going to warm the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daily meals were eaten at home or in the opposite wing; clothes were sewn by Yu Li—even coats and shirts were helped into place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was almost changing his underwear for him—treating him like a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they moved here, Gu Ning initially complained he was lazy—what happened then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, he didn’t change—he went straight to his mother-in-law to complain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was absurdly lazy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he knew it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So if Qin Jingru hadn’t come, he and Gu Ning would’ve had to move back to the Sihe Academy—even if it meant a longer commute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Han Jiankun’s morning chores, Li Xuewu’s head throbbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had to do all this himself, forget work—he’d just stay home and rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder he tolerated and looked after Qin Jingru and Han Jiankun—help like this was hard to find.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the future, you wouldn’t encounter it—high-quality domestic helpers weren’t available on the open market; if a family liked one, they kept her permanently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after the children grew up and went to school, the helper was still kept on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To retain her, families had to arrange jobs for her children and even plan for her retirement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone tried to poach a domestic helper, some families would fly into a rage and fight over her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu once heard the most extreme case: an elderly cadre’s helper was so good that when a former colleague visited, he quietly told the helper: When I die, come work for me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru wasn’t just honest herself—she demanded honesty from Han Jiankun too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She trained this big guy to handle every chore—finished all indoor and outdoor tasks, and even helped Li Xuewu soothe Li Shu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu felt a bit ashamed, but seeing how troublesome Li Shu was in the morning, he was grateful Han Jiankun was there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Children are adorable, but when they get annoying, they can drive you to rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say one, she insists on two; if you refuse, she cries—not real tears, but a nagging, draining cry, staring at you with those eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s temper had to be held in check—he could never hit a child; in his entire life, he’d never raised a hand to strike one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at how ruthless he was outside—calculating, violent, even willing to smash someone’s fingers with a long rifle—but he could never bring himself to be harsh with children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old saying goes: one’s face reflects one’s heart—and every child who met Li Xuewu was never afraid of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Zhidong never felt fear the first time he saw him—even witnessed him arresting his own father without flinching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banggeng, who never bowed to anyone in the courtyard, followed Li Xuewu like a shadow, obeyed every order, and giggled when teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu knew she could push him around—she dared not act this way with Gu Ning, but with him, she was the demon queen, and everyone had to obey her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why could Han Jiankun soothe her? Because Han Jiankun listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Shu demanded to be held while watching goldfish, Han Jiankun held her by the pond for as long as she wanted, patient and unbothered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she said she wanted to stand on the windowsill to watch snow, he carried her up, cleaned the soiled sill afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she truly wanted food and insisted on snacks, Han Jiankun wouldn’t give them to her—but he wouldn’t scold her either; he just stared at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at Li Shu—aren’t you sure she’s doing this on purpose?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t throw tantrums at Han Jiankun anymore; instead, she’d ask for a different toy, or demand to be put down to wander around on her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu finally understood: in this household, Li Shu couldn’t be bullied by anyone—except her own father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breakfast, Li Xuewu bundled Li Shu, dressed like a ball, into the car—whenever he was home, he took this brat to the old lady’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When on a business trip, he had no choice—she stayed home, except at noon when Qin Jingru held her to sleep; otherwise, she played with Gu Ning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning said Li Shu was perfectly well-behaved when Li Xuewu was away—no crying, no fussing—but as soon as he returned, she turned into a different child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the car, she insisted on crawling over to the communication panel to swap seats with Han Jiankun—she wanted to drive the car too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jiankun ignored her; she turned back and started nagging Li Xuewu for the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu stared blankly at his daughter, his head buzzing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he could afford an airplane, she was only one and a half years old!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she were eighteen and a half, and said, “Dad, buy me a car,” Li Xuewu wouldn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at one and a half, she’s trying to steal someone else’s car—wouldn’t it be a waste not to send her up the mountain to become a bandit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other children grow up with lofty ambitions: I want to be a doctor, an astronaut, a scientist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at Li Xuewu’s daughter—she wants to be a bandit!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d left early this morning, so everyone in the Sihe Academy was still eating breakfast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li family was no different—Ji Yuxiu had to go to work, Li Xue had to go to work, and the old lady slept little and rose early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even though Zhao Yafang, heavy with child, woke late, breakfast was always ready early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu entered with Li Shu; Li Xue had just finished eating, wiped her mouth, and grinned mischievously as she came to take her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu waved her hands frantically, shouting “No! No!”—but she couldn’t escape her aunt’s grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At home, the demon queen feared Gu Ning; at Grandma’s, she feared her little aunt most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone else coddled and indulged her—only her little aunt stole her snacks, teased her until she cried, then laughed heartily—a presence even scarier than the demon queen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Grandpa were home, it’d be better—but he was often away, and Grandma couldn’t control the little aunt; every day she saw her, she had to cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why didn’t you say you were coming back from your trip?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin was eating, turned to her son, and asked if he’d eaten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu held his mother down, saying he had eaten, then gestured toward the inner room and asked about his sister-in-law’s condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Yuxiu tilted her head, sighing helplessly: “Looking at your sister-in-law, I think of myself—I just don’t have that kind of patience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No woman escapes this suffering.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin chuckled at her, then went on to describe Zhao Yafang’s condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably due to good nutrition, the baby had grown larger, but the hospital said Zhao Yafang had a broad frame, so childbirth wouldn’t be difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prenatal checks now weren’t as complicated as in the future—no 4D scans, no genetic tests; as long as the fetal position was correct, there was no problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the future, the main fear was the baby misbehaving in the womb, playing with the umbilical cord—some naughty kids even wrapped it around their necks and pretended to hang themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doctor checked the fetal heartbeat and found it irregular at first, thinking there was a problem—until the 4D scan revealed the little one was pinching the umbilical cord and simulating cardiac arrest for fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are all kinds of naughty kids, but back then, medical capabilities weren’t so comprehensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even judging fetal position was done by the doctor simply feeling with his hands—he’d tell you the baby’s head had descended into the pelvis and give you a rough estimate of when labor would start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that doctors back then were superior or more skilled; they simply lacked the means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the future, you get scans without being touched or examined at all—that’s because advanced tools exist now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a doctor made a mistake back then, few pursued it; in the future, it’s a medical accident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So don’t bring up the broader environment—don’t mention 4D scans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu Ning’s suggestion is to deliver at the military hospital—she can arrange it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu explained to his mother: “She thinks our place is close to the hospital, so it’s convenient to get there—even if we check in now, it’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget it, don’t cause trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin thought for a moment, then said: “If I go over to your place again with your grandmother, no one will be left to manage the house, and we’ll be troubling Xiao Ning too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded to her son: “Xiao Ning’s workplace should provide her maternity benefits—it’s only right. We’re just borrowing favors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin thought more deeply, gesturing toward the inner room: “Your father and Lao San have both sent word—the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has already made arrangements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Their director specifically mentioned this— the midwife assigned is the head physician, and she was notified long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s do it that way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded decisively; since the family had made arrangements, there was no need to trouble his sister-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He straightened his clothes and gestured toward the courtyard gate: “I’ll tell Guodong—keep the car ready, leave the driver here to pick up Da Ge when he returns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s still a few days away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin followed him out and said: “Calling him back won’t help—he’s got time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s not busy~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced toward his sister-in-law’s room, thinking: Which woman doesn’t want her husband beside her during childbirth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Da Ge is so carefree—he’s thinking of returning only when the due date is near.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand, telling his mother not to worry, greeted the people leaving the courtyard, then went to the back room to instruct Shen Guodong to handle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Sha Zhu and the others were eating; hearing Li Xuewu’s orders, they all agreed it was only right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Guodong immediately arranged for the GAZ-69 to be taken out of service—clear out the rear compartment, prepare a wooden bed and padding, so they wouldn’t be caught unprepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambulances existed back then, but they weren’t convenient; most families used tricycles to transport patients to the hospital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imagine it: deep winter, a pregnant woman wrapped in a heavy quilt, riding on a tricycle—it’s bound to be freezing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The garage’s heating must never be turned off—Zhao Yafang’s belly is so large; even if she’s not quite at term, labor could start days early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu thought of his own wife and felt the same—he added that they should prepare properly too, since he’d need it someday for his own family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t worried about being stingy—the car was available—but preparation was key.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone must be assigned to stoke the fire in the garage, someone who can drive must stay behind, and enough people capable of carrying a pregnant woman must be kept on hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either, as Li Xuewu suggested, go to the hospital early and wait for labor—or if you plan to rush to the hospital only after water breaks, everything must be ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You might joke that lifting a hundred pounds is no effort, but lifting a pregnant woman? Impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even specialized medical staff on ambulances couldn’t lift her—not even two of them; you need a special vehicle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yafang herself is tall, eats well, and already weighs over 150 pounds, not to mention the extra care taken for the baby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu spoke at length in the back room before emerging; Shen Guodong, having finished eating, followed him out, saying he’d prepare the car to pick up Xuewen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Assigning the boys to stand watch—or taking watch himself—no one complained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t just Li Xuewu’s family matter, nor merely mutual support between the Li household and the back room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must also remember how Li Xuewen taught Wen San and Erhui their skills, and how Zhao Yafang taught the boys knowledge daily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The advantage of having family nearby became clear—this courtyard had many pregnant women this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excluding Ge Shuqin, who already gave birth, there was Zhao Yafang, Dilinya, and in the back courtyard, Fei Shanying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add Gu Ning, and this courtyard will soon have many children—raising them all here, from Li Shu onward, it’s almost becoming a nursery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After settling family matters, he got in the car, pointed toward Weisan Regiment, and asked Han Jiankun to drive him to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t far—he’d drop him off, then go pick up Peng Xiaoli and head straight to the steel mill; they’d return at noon to pick him up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weisan Regiment had to handle weapons matters and investigate cases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu planned to give the cowardly bastard hiding behind the scenes a big blow.\u003C\u002Fp>",6078,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","10f18253c06c66040a45d388fda3cb3d642a8fdaeab0025bbb15d0cee0c90771","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-984","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-982",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]