[{"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-999":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},2315049,4526,"Chapter 999: A Fair Balance","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-999",999,"\u003Cp>“Oh, you’re back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, what’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu parked the car, and as he got out, neighbors greeted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These days, no one insists on formal titles anymore, but since they call him “Sir,” he lets them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man smiled, pointing at the supply and marketing cooperative by the door, his eyes fixed on Li Xuewu’s command vehicle, still filled with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes, books hold beautiful women and golden houses—Li’s children had proven both true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Li Xuewu’s daily commute by car was no longer new, to neighbors it still meant power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at their child—brilliant in studies, and married to an equally outstanding wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These past few days, even Li Shun, so quiet and cautious, had begun grinning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a new member joining the family—the firstborn grandson—this rising clan gained another ray of hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Xuewu walked into the yard, neighbors who greeted him also asked when his wife would give birth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason? His sister-in-law Zhao Yafang had returned home today, and nearby women had all come over to visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, childbirth was a modest but notable event; relatives didn’t need to, but close neighbors always brought gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, in the dead of winter, there wasn’t much to give—unless you kept chickens and could save some eggs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond that, all you could do was buy apples or something else from the supply and marketing cooperative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone asked: “Aren’t the Lis bad at socializing? They barely interact with neighbors—so why are people rushing over?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That depends on how you put it. The old Li patriarch passed away early; the old lady raised the children alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Li Shun was already earning by then, the collapse of the family’s pillar had a devastating effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their minimal interaction with neighbors was precisely the old lady’s conservative way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after Li Shun married and took charge of the household, those habits persisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with the family thriving and talents emerging, you might avoid outside ties—but you can’t stop others from seeking you out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially neighbors living right at the gate—they’re first to benefit from proximity, and now that they’ve seen the Lis rise, who wouldn’t want to build goodwill?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Xuewu entered the house, several women were still chatting inside, and several baskets of eggs sat on the stove ledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not many—ten or so—but in this era, that was already a generous gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced once, unimpressed, and smiled as he greeted the women calling him “Auntie” or “Big Mom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him enter, the women smiled back, exchanged a few words, then stood up, saying they had matters at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin rose too, politely urging them to stay—but they all knew: Li’s most capable son had returned, and the family needed to speak privately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting his mother see them off, Li Xuewu first greeted his father, then grinned at his elder brother: “Why aren’t you soothing the baby?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewen chuckled, glancing toward the inner room: “Sleeping. Snoring loud.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu laughed softly and sat beside him, back turned to his sister-in-law’s room: “How’s your mood now? Still floating on air?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewen felt embarrassed at the remark—he’d been so excited at the hospital that day he nearly tumbled down the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After teasing his brother, Li Xuewu turned to his father: “Have you settled on a name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun glanced at his son, then at his eldest, sipping tea in silence—clearly dissatisfied with the grandson’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu winked at his brother, his mischievous grin impossible to hide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewen was furious—so you came home just to watch me suffer, right?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know the saying: don’t blame the elder brother for the younger’s faults—neither of them was ever truly honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu’s smirk, Li Xuewen raised an eyebrow and asked pointedly: “Xuewu, have you picked a name for the child?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu immediately sensed his father’s gaze—serious, resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dared not speak the truth now; he squinted slightly and replied with a smile: “I’m not in a hurry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as his brother was about to tease him, Li Xuewu added: “I’m no good at naming children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured toward his father, pretending to sip tea: “But when it comes to names, Father’s the expert—look how beautiful Li Shu’s name is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was truly cruel—after saying that, he raised his eyebrow at his brother, feigning surprise and sincerity: “Brother, didn’t you ask Father before naming the child?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You brat! How dare you mock me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take this meteor hammer!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewen’s eyes bulged—he wanted to blast his younger brother right then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could now clearly sense his father’s gaze—filled with disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, the moment Father returned, he went straight to the hospital to see his first grandson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything about him was perfect—just as Father was thinking of a name, he heard Li Xuewen call the child “Tang Tang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of… name is that!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewen hadn’t noticed Father’s displeasure until after he left, when Zhao Yafang reminded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, back home, Father looked at him with nose and eyes full of disapproval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with his younger brother’s remark, Li Xuewen felt Father’s dissatisfaction deepen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when Li Xuewu mentioned Li Shu’s name—elegant, smooth, meaningful, proof of Father’s culture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly wanted to tear his brother’s mouth off!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s going on with you three?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin returned with the old lady and Li Xue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering, she saw the three men’s expressions: Li Shun, tea cup in hand, visibly displeased; Li Xuewen, slumped, silent;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Li Xuewu, still chattering about Father’s scholarship and how good his naming was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin saw right through it—there was a troublemaker in the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go on—stirring up trouble again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slapped her grinning son, then laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She rubbed her eldest son’s shoulder: “Don’t listen to your brother—he’s just teasing. Your father doesn’t care about this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Li Shun and added: “Besides, ‘Li Tang’ is fine. Even if it’s simple, he’s still your father’s first grandson—his precious treasure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly~ Exactly~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the fire hadn’t caught, Li Xuewu switched sides, praising his mother:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“‘Li Tang’ is so grand! The name’s perfect—Father just wishes you’d consulted him. Look at how you handled this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xue chuckled reproachfully: “Do you think Father won’t beat your brother if he doesn’t feel bad enough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, don’t talk nonsense—I’m doing this for your brother’s good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu grinned: “If he dares to name a child on his own this time, next time he’ll…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough already!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin nearly covered his mouth, but since she couldn’t stop him, she slapped him again, scolding: “Your mouth—where did you get it from?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From Mom, of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his brother’s pleading eyes, Li Xuewu changed the subject, teasing his mother: “Who doesn’t know Mom’s eloquent, her words golden?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin tapped his forehead, smiling: “Be a good example for your daughter!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My daughter? Then~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu grinned: “Yesterday, I heard a little chick hopping onto the windowsill from the backyard—loud, never backs down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two are alike!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xue smiled: “What’ll he be like when he grows up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t learn from me—learn from your little aunt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned to Li Xue: “She’s sensible, capable—she’ll find a good husband for sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xue blushed, then pushed him hard from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced nervously at her father—afraid the family would rush her into marriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun had no such thoughts—his daughter was still young; he couldn’t bear to let her go so soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for his second son’s antics, he paid no mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He set down his teacup, coughed lightly, and asked: “Where’s the third one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Went to Yu Xiu’s house.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin explained: “Her sister-in-law is pregnant too—they thought since both were back, they’d go visit together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun nodded, then asked: “Did they bring anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes—eggs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin walked to the stove, gathered the eggs left by neighbors, and sighed: “Now that we’ve accepted gifts, we’ll have to return them later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s exactly what ‘reciprocal gifts’ means.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old lady sat on her chair, watching her daughter-in-law tidy up, and nodded slowly: “You can’t seal the door shut forever—that’s no way to live.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of her own past, raising her son alone, she sighed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially seeing how harmonious the brothers are now, with descendants thriving and each one accomplished, she couldn’t be happier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t want his mother to exhaust herself, so he changed the subject: “Nothing much happen at the hospital these days?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What could possibly happen~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin finished packing, glanced at him, and scolded: “Honestly, inviting Aunt Jia from the back courtyard is unnecessary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, she felt she’d embarrassed her mother and added: “Xuewen and I can handle everything ourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why go through all that trouble?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu leaned against the sewing machine and told his mother: “It’s freezing outside—eating a meal’s hard enough. An extra pair of hands helps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it free help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin, concerned about the money, warned: “Don’t be so careless with spending next time—it’s embarrassing to hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s embarrassing about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his mother speak up, Li Xuewen reached into his pocket to give him money, but Li Xuewu pressed his brother’s hand down and said to his mother: “If I need help at home, hiring someone isn’t a debt—I’m willing to pay. Who says I’m embarrassing myself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then slapped his brother’s hand and grinned: “Stop being polite—rest!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewen had intended to give his younger brother the money; Zhao Yafang had told him at the hospital to repay it when they got home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helping with hospital arrangements was already exhausting; they couldn’t let Li Xuewu pay for the hired help too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had nothing to do with who earned more—it was about the principle of brotherly relations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu never wanted his brother’s money; it wasn’t about being flush and spending freely—it was purely to spare his mother trouble and make his brother and sister-in-law lighter burdened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin understood her son’s concern for her, but spending ten yuan in less than four days felt like a waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s two and a half yuan a day—who dares spend like that hiring help? People would think she, an old woman, refused to care for her daughter-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his mother’s uneasy expression, Li Xuewu stood up, put his arm around her shoulders, and said: “Stop overthinking!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He guided her back into her seat and added: “Do you think your daughter-in-law wants you worn out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re family. How you treat your daughter-in-law, Xiao Ning, and Yu Xiu—no one can fault you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Frankly, even when Xiao Ning gave birth, I wouldn’t let you lift a finger!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu held his mother’s hand: “You’ve already worked yourself to the bone raising me, my brothers, and my sister. If we burden you again having children, it won’t be others judging you—it’ll be us we’re being judged for!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin glanced at Li Shun; seeing her husband said nothing, she poked Li Xuewu’s forehead: “You’re the only one who can talk like this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~ Isn’t that just me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled: “Your daughter-in-law carried for ten months and gave birth to our first son and grandson—she’s a hero. She and your son care about you, and they’re afraid you’ll feel uneasy, right, Brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewen smiled: “Yafang said hiring help is proper. No amount of money can replace your health.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good~ Good~ Good~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing both sons’ filial hearts, Liu Yin finally laughed: “You think your mom’s made of porcelain, fragile and unable to bear fatigue?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now you’re exaggerating~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu patted his mother’s hand, tilted his head slightly toward the door, and asked: “Is Aunt Jia still helping out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure, how much is too much~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin nodded contentedly: “She’s been helping nonstop—when the baby cried at night, she’d pick him up and soothe him. That’s more than enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then that’s settled~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled: “It proves the money wasn’t wasted—you’re clearly much lighter now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the one who said it~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin scolded: “You haven’t seen how thrilled she is—four days for ten yuan, she’s practically broadcasting it on the loudspeaker!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin wasn’t exaggerating: Jia Dongxu had returned with the Li family that morning, just as described.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning from the west courtyard to the Li home, she sat for barely a moment, saw things were settled, and headed home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even over that short distance, anyone who greeted her would inevitably be steered toward this topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Off out, Auntie?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, came back in a car.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Dongxu’s reply was off-topic. If the person said more, she’d ignore what they’d asked and reply: “Yes, I was helping Li family care for Yafang~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The use of “Yafang” came from Liu Yin’s hospital habit; Zhao Yafang had accepted it, cementing the intimacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why use a title when a name feels closer? Especially after helping Zhao Yafang give birth—how close must that relationship be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, it’s the mother-in-law who comes. She was almost closer than the birth mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ask again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d then boast about how much attention she got at the hospital, how courteous the doctors and nurses were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need to ask—her final move was always to display the snacks Liu Yin had packed for her before she left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look! I told her I didn’t want them, it was just helping out—but Liu Yin insisted!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, she’d always praise the harmony between the Li matriarch and her daughter-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew her boasting cost nothing, but she couldn’t risk making the Li family resent her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything she said was true—she had no fear of being challenged. She’d ridden in Li Xuewu’s car to the hospital, and rode back in a car too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doctors and nurses had been courteous to her; the snacks were given by the Li family—so what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, she worried needlessly: given her diligent efforts over those three or four days, no one in the Li family would say a word against her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin complained about the cost, yet still packed her with more food; Zhao Yafang said spending that money was worth every penny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This proved she’d truly worked hard—she couldn’t let the Li family be dissatisfied, couldn’t let Li Xuewu who paid be dissatisfied, and couldn’t let Qin Huaiju be dissatisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this speech, everyone nodded with smiles, saying she was truly honored to be invited to help the Li family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was when Jia Dongxu felt most proud—if not for the inner gate being her home and the neighbors so few, she’d have circled the courtyard three or four times, making sure everyone heard before returning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sat at home only briefly; Shen Guodong returned early that afternoon and called him to the front room to talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By four in the afternoon, as the sun neared the horizon, he drove his parents home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Li Xue helped load the car with the nutrition items Liu Yin wanted to bring, and the local specialties Li Shun had brought down from the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, she saw Yan Jie’s eldest daughter-in-law, Ge Shuqin, stepping out of the main house holding a child, her face still gloomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t one to gossip; as a young girl, she simply looked down on the way the Yan family lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she closed the car door, she mentioned it to her second brother, then didn’t think more of it and returned to the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh, they’ve been causing trouble for days~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the car, Liu Yin sat in the back seat, chattering to Li Xuewu, who was driving: “The day Yafang gave birth, we heard noise from across the way. Your grandma said it went on all night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t care about their affairs, but since his mother brought it up, he couldn’t ignore her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her son ask, Liu Yin snorted: “It’s Yan Jiefang—he’s making a scene.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu, eyes on the road, replied: “Didn’t he seem fine before?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You weren’t home~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin, gripping the passenger seat, explained: “Maybe seeing Yafang give birth made him jealous—he started causing trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yan Jiefang’s been fighting with his father, demanding to marry his big brother’s widow—tch tch~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Liu Yin thought Yan Jiefang was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His older brother Yan Jiecheng hasn’t been gone long—doesn’t he fear gossip?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mind your own business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun slapped Liu Yin’s hand: “You’re too eager to listen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Am I eager?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin turned back, scolding: “Last night, didn’t you hear them wailing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s that bad?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t want his mother and father arguing over this, so he jumped in: “What about Third Uncle? Doesn’t he intervene?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Him? He might want to, but he hasn’t got the power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin said: “I heard he wanted to step in, but Hou Qinghua backs her son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hou Qinghua was Third Aunt; Liu Yin had little contact with her, especially since they’d once been at odds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So now she just used the woman’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t know Third Aunt’s name, but now that his mother said it, he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Aunt supports it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin snorted: “If she hadn’t approved, how could Yan Jiefang be crying and begging to raise his brother’s widow?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He says it’s noble—his brother’s gone, his sister-in-law struggles alone, raising the child’s hard, and he can’t bear it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, really!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin sneered: “If he truly cared for his brother, his sister-in-law, and his niece, he’d earn money to support them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did Ge Shuqin say she wanted to leave? Or is the child changing surnames? That’s the real drama.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s messy enough~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced back at his mother: “A few days ago, I saw Ge Shuqin at work—she wanted to return to her job.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, people these days~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin sighed and shook her head, not knowing what to say anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such a young age, raising a child alone—if it were a son, fine, but it’s a daughter. How will she ever manage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu shrugged and said, “I didn’t ask her to return to work yet. I spoke to HR—I told them to wait until after the New Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin nodded and said, “I saw the baby—it’s tiny, like a kitten, whimpering weakly, even its crying has no strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Premature. Just surviving is already a miracle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun snorted, gazing out the window: “A family that accumulates virtue leaves abundant blessings...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t say more. As a doctor, the harshest thing he’d ever say was just that first line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither couple were bad people. Even when Yan Fugui was in that state, if they came to their door for help, Li Shun still carried his medicine box to treat them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the two households never got along, when Ge Shuqin gave birth, Liu Yin still sent over a basket of eggs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now talking about the neighbors across the way wasn’t about judging them—it was thinking of their own home, seeing one side of hardship and one side of sweetness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does Third Uncle mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu gripped the steering wheel and said, “Last time he came to the factory causing trouble, he meant to give Yan Jie’s job to Yan Jiefang. I blocked it—no doubt he’s cursing me behind my back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re just too meddlesome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin scolded her son: “He wouldn’t dare curse you openly—only Hou Qinghua would dare say such things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, let him curse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned the steering wheel and explained, “It’s fine if I don’t see it, but if I do and do nothing, it gnaws at me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun said nothing. Though he didn’t agree with his son meddling, his son was grown, responsible, and respected at work—how he acted was his own business now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment his son grew up, the father’s role had already surrendered to age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Li Xuewu returned home, married, and built a life, Li Shun had never harshly scolded him—except about neglecting his health.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Uncle naturally didn’t want it—he was so angry he didn’t leave his room for two or three days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin said, “But even if you block it now, how long can you hold back given his health? It all comes down to Hou Qinghua and Ge Shuqin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about Ge Shuqin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu asked, “Does she want to marry Yan Jiefang too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you hear Li Xue just say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin sneered, “If she wanted to, why would she look so reluctant and full of resentment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even the worst person, once they have a child, must think about the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She added with mild reproach, “Hou Qinghua doesn’t even think—if he forces these two together, how will the children feel? What will the whole courtyard think of us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This last point revealed Liu Yin’s true worry—for the courtyard, for her own family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, how your family lived wasn’t just your own business. If moral or criminal problems arose, they affected neighbors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that neighbors meddled or looked down on your status or actions—it was that their own interests were directly harmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone in your courtyard lived recklessly or got involved in a murder case, just wait—when your child seeks a spouse, no one will let their daughter marry in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The story of Meng Mu’s three relocations illustrates this reality: one person tainting the neighborhood’s reputation is like ruining its feng shui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if such a thing as a younger brother marrying his elder brother’s widow might be tolerated in poor regions, here, under the Son of Heaven’s gaze, in the most virtuous land, how could this be done?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu now understood Third Aunt’s thinking—it truly tied back to the job issue he’d just mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, after Yan Jiecheng died, Yan family intended to give the job to Yan Jiefang—family wealth stays within the family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Giving it to Ge Shuqin? She doesn’t even bear the Yan surname. The daughter bears it, but she’ll marry out eventually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This job was bought with their real gold and silver—they couldn’t lose it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Ge Shuqin inherited her husband’s job, how could the Yan family be satisfied?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Uncle naturally cherished the job, but he’d never imagined using marriage as a pretext to reclaim it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him powerless and her second son willing, Third Aunt saw a perfect opportunity to push things along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calculated this way, it truly kept the wealth in the family: the eldest daughter-in-law became the second daughter-in-law, the child stayed in the house, and more children could still be born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good heavens—if conditions allowed, Li Xuewu almost wanted to invite Third Aunt to run business negotiations at the steel mill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a clever little scheme—the abacus beads flew right into his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Mother Liu Yin said, Third Aunt also said: a woman, what could she do in a factory? She still had to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The child is still young, but when he grows older, he’ll need support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implication: if he relies on the family, fine—but if she’s working and finds a better match, what if she takes the child and marries out?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In another scenario, if she married out without the child, it’d be even more troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has she ever considered: her child is a child, but Ge Shuqin’s child isn’t?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin, seeing they were nearly there, said, “If they truly feared her leaving, why didn’t they think of this earlier? If they’d done even one decent thing, they wouldn’t be in this mess now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Children are always parents’ deepest concern, a bond and a source of hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some treat children as treasures; others treat them as obstacles, burdens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that’s truly how you feel, don’t be reckless in the first place—if you weren’t ready to be a parent, don’t force a child into suffering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a loveless home, for a child, it’s nothing short of abuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a loving home, a child’s eyes shine bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The command vehicle stopped at the gate; Han Jiankun stepped out to receive it and take it to the garage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu accompanied his parents into the small courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun first glanced at the snow in the yard, then gave his son a disapproving look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled sheepishly and said, “Gu Ning likes this atmosphere. Besides, I’m at work—I don’t have time to clean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun ignored him. He knew his own son’s nature well enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know whether his daughter-in-law liked this environment, but he knew his son was truly lazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being busy at work wasn’t an excuse—because even when not working, Li Xuewu never showed any extra diligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the time they lived in the back courtyard of the sihe, the snow around his room was always cleared by the boys—he’d rather sleep in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t bother scolding his son anymore. He was grown, and soon he’d be a father himself—let him figure it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another reason he didn’t scold Li Xuewu was that Li Shu was already waiting in the hallway, waving frantically as soon as she saw her grandparents enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he now had a biological grandson, seeing Li Shu, Li Shun’s face instantly lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she’d been raised right under his nose—he wasn’t the kind to forget his eldest granddaughter once he had a biological grandson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurried up the steps, no longer dignified, and as Li Xuewu opened the door, he scooped Li Shu into his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah~ga~gaga~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu’s joyful laughter shattered all of Grandpa’s stiffness—he now felt only his eldest granddaughter was truly his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you miss Grandpa?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm~ Mm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu nodded vigorously, her little hand already patting her belly—meaning she missed him right here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun laughed heartily, ignoring Liu Yin’s scolding that he was cold and might chill the child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning struggled to walk to the door to greet her in-laws, which earned another reprimand from her mother-in-law: “No need for such formality—we’re family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Li Shu had found her protector. Ever since Grandpa took off his coat and changed into slippers, he’d carried her to the sofa to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She rummaged through cabinets, commanding him to pull out two large baskets of toys, proudly showing them off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a small head peeked out from the stairs—it was Fu Zhidong, drawn by the noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu made no effort to hide anything, smiling and waving to him. When Fu Zhidong ran over and hugged his leg, Li Xuewu ruffled his hair and introduced him to his parents: “Zhou’s son—my godson.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bent down, pinched Fu Zhidong’s cheek, and asked, “Why aren’t you playing with your sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was doing homework~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Zhidong looked up at Li Xuewu, then cautiously glanced at Li Shun and Liu Yin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu introduced him: “These are my father and mother—call them Grandpa and Grandma.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grandpa, Grandma~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Zhidong spoke politely, understanding now who his visitors were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun and Liu Yin remembered Zhou Yamei from last year; hearing the child speak, they both smiled and responded warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin gave Fu Zhidong a quick appraisal, praised him twice, then asked about Zhou Yamei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning explained she was resting upstairs—they’d taken an overnight train from Gangcheng to Jingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu had already bonded with Fu Zhidong and now waved her little hand, calling him over to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Zhidong, being a child, saw the toys, heard his relationship explained, and relaxed. Hearing Li Shu call, he ran over to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu played as usual: handed Fu Zhidong a tin car, then picked up a tin frog, scanning for a suitable target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru stepped out from behind and scolded Li Shu: “Still throwing? I cleaned up all morning!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After greeting Li Shun and Liu Yin, she began complaining: the two children had caused chaos all morning, and the flowers had suffered—she’d moved them all into her room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d move them back out when they recovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu didn’t care. If you won’t let me play, can’t I play myself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reached to toss the tin frog into the fireplace—fire the tin toad!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Shu~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning, seeing her go too far, could only call out her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need to say more—look: the demon Li Shu stopped aiming for the fireplace, crouched down, and began teaching Fu Zhidong how to play with the frog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This little brat knew perfectly well how to play with toys properly—she just believed her own way was the most fun, and the only correct way to use them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun heard his daughter-in-law say just one sentence—more effective than his own pleading—and didn’t know whether to be annoyed or amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jiankun parked the car, came inside, and unloaded the items he’d brought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin spoke as she helped Qin Jingru pack away the things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t rested since arriving, eager to help her son’s household, but seeing the house already tidy—especially the living room, where only Li Shu’s newly laid-out toys disturbed the order—there was nothing left for her to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, Brother Li said we’re having dumplings tonight—I’ve kneaded the dough. Could you make the filling?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru had been through enough at home to know how to speak up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Liu Yin wandering around looking for something to do, she could only step forward and ask for her help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin understood her meaning—after all, this was her son’s home, and her son had invited Qin Jingru to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing how clean the house was, she knew Liu Yin wasn’t sloppy, so she said nothing further—no point in annoying anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, about the dumplings, she couldn’t help complaining to her son: “It’s not even a holiday—why suddenly think of dumplings?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no rule saying you can’t eat dumplings outside the holidays.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled as he poured tea for his father and replied to his mother: “Mainly, I just miss your dumplings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yin knew she couldn’t argue with her son; she shot him a glare and went to the kitchen to get to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning felt embarrassed—her in-laws had come to visit, yet her mother-in-law was cooking for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun didn’t mind; he waved his hand and told her not to worry: “Your mom’s just like this—she feels uneasy if she’s not doing something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Li, you’re here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Zhou Ya came downstairs and greeted Li Shun on her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun knew who she was—no need for his son to introduce her—and nodded with a smile: “Travel was tiring?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad—just a night train.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Ya descended the stairs, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, picked up a toy that had rolled to her feet, and placed it back in the basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You and Auntie are doing well, right? Heard you’ve got a grandchild?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, very good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun smiled in reply and added a few words about Gangcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning rose to go to the bathroom; Zhou Ya helped her up and went with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the living room was empty, Li Shun shot his son, who was sipping tea, a fierce glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu felt both innocent and speechless under his father’s stare: Why are you glaring at me?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun glanced toward Fu Zhidong, who was playing with Li Shu, silently signaling the source of his displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu could only laugh bitterly in his heart—his father really had wild ideas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Zhidong was already five this year—he himself was only twenty-one, and back when he was sixteen…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know what? No one understood him better than his father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, if that someone hadn’t nearly gotten pregnant, would his father have chased him south?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So his father’s suspicion had grounds—and his own explanations were weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But… this child wasn’t his. If it were, why would he even take him as an adopted son?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By heaven and earth, Li Xuewu was truly indignant—he was innocent, pure, and had nothing with Zhou Ya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu slightly smirked, gesturing toward the two children nearby: See? The kids are right here—I’d lie about this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun believed him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I believe you, my ass!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This child might not be from the Li family, but there could be others later—he needed to warn his son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun’s warning glance was unmistakable: absolutely no fooling around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even an adopted son shouldn’t be taken in so casually—do you think this is some street gang, where you take on little brothers and adopted sons?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun had three sons—he’d never worry about grandsons—so don’t just bring random adopted sons home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Have the nerve to marry a wife and have your own children—how many you have, he’d accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu couldn’t hold out against his father any longer; he gave in, crouched beside Li Shu, and started soothing the two children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning returned from the bathroom, told Li Shun she was tired, and went to lie down in the inner room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun, uneasy, stood up and kicked his son, then nodded toward his daughter-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu understood his father’s meaning and volunteered: “Dad, please check if she needs any tonics.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could Gu Ning say? She thanked him sincerely—she’d seen the helplessness in Li Xuewu’s eyes and knew her in-laws had come solely to visit her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sister-in-law, Zhao Yafang, had just given birth and was still in confinement; she’d only just returned home today, and to avoid making Gu Ning and Li Xuewu feel neglected, they’d come over tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elders always want to treat everyone equally, never wanting to slight anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both hands are flesh—can’t favor the eldest daughter-in-law who gave birth and forget the second one who’s pregnant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun sat on the chair and took Gu Ning’s pulse; only then did he nod in relief and warn her not to sit too long or overexert herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially avoid spicy, sour, or pungent foods—she was far along, the fetus was sensitive, and she risked her water breaking at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning had a habit of reading and sitting for long periods; Zhou Ya, knowing her, echoed Li Shun’s advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shun nodded in agreement, telling her to stop sitting, rest, and lie on her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, Liu Yin, hearing the noise, came out of the kitchen, urging: “Only a month left—don’t suffer through it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning softly replied, squeezed Zhou Ya’s hand, and nodded to her in-laws.\u003C\u002Fp>",5697,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4c61a512c2aaadd2d84cf9527c3a3c89308caf6b114803f24bf2a28119394dbe","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-1000","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-998",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]