Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

"Qin Huairu, look!" He Yuzhu said softly, pointing to the fishing net. Qin Huairu's eyes lit up, and she saw the fishing net, and her heart was filled with joy and anticipation.

"We found it. The stranger is the one who stole our fish!" Qin Huairu said excitedly, with a hint of anger and dissatisfaction in her voice.

He grew up here, and every brick and tile in the yard bears traces of his growth. He is tall and strong, with a heroic look between his eyebrows, but at this moment, there is a trace of fatigue and sadness in his eyes. His eyes gradually focus on the lush locust tree in the middle of the yard, as if he can see the past years through the layers of green leaves, and return to the summer when he and Lou Xiaoe first met.

Lou Xiao'e, a beautiful and intelligent woman, appeared like a ray of sunshine, illuminating He Yuzhu's peaceful days. Her smile was sweet and brilliant, blooming like a flower in his heart. However, now she has become the eternal pain in his heart.

It was a sunny afternoon, and the sun shone through the branches of the locust tree, casting mottled shadows. He Yuzhu was repairing the dilapidated windmill in the yard, and sweat was dripping down his forehead and onto the ground. The moment he looked up, he happened to see Lou Xiao'e walking in from the gate. Her figure was coated with a layer of golden halo by the sun, like a fairy descending to earth. She was holding a basket of fresh fruits in her hands, and her eyes were full of smiles.

"Brother Yuzhu, I just came back from the market and brought you some fresh fruits." Lou Xiao'e's voice was as clear as a bell, as if she had thrown a small stone into the lake of He Yuzhu's heart, causing ripples.

He Yuzhu put down the tools in his hand, walked forward and took the basket. His fingers accidentally touched Lou Xiaoe's hand, and his heart trembled. At that moment, it seemed that time had stopped. They smiled at each other, as if they had thousands of words in their hearts, but they didn't know where to start.

From that day on, Lou Xiao'e became a part of He Yuzhu's life. Her kindness, intelligence, and tenacity deeply attracted him. They spent countless wonderful days together, sharing each other's joys and sorrows. Every corner of the courtyard was filled with their laughter.

However, happy times are always short-lived. As time goes by, conflicts and misunderstandings between them gradually increase. He Yuzhu is a traditional man with a strong character, while Lou Xiao'e is a modern woman with her own pursuits and ideals. Their values ​​and lifestyles gradually conflict, and quarrels follow.

"Why are you always so stubborn and want to do everything your way!" Lou Xiao'e questioned angrily, tears welling up in her eyes. Her bright eyes were like dark clouds before a storm, full of anxiety and anger.

He Yuzhu frowned, and said in an unyielding tone: "What about you? Why do you always have to do things your way? Can't you understand my feelings?"

"Understand? How do you want me to understand? You never ask for my opinion and you decide everything." Lou Xiao'e's voice trembled, and she seemed both aggrieved and angry.

"You didn't even give me a chance to ask. You always make the decisions and take the lead on your own." He Yuzhu took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger, but he couldn't hide the excitement in his words.

The quarrel became louder and louder, as if the air was filled with gunpowder. The tranquility of the courtyard was broken by the quarrel, and the surrounding neighbors all leaned out, curiously watching the tension between the once sweet lovers.

He Yuzhu's heart is full of contradictions and pain. He loves Lou Xiao'e, her intelligence, her independence and tenacity, but at the same time he cannot accept some of her behaviors and decisions. He feels like he is trapped in an unsolvable maze and can't find a way out.

Lou Xiao'e's heart is also filled with grievances and helplessness. She loves He Yuzhu, loves his perseverance and strength, and loves his dedication and sense of responsibility to his family. But she also hopes that her dreams and pursuits can be respected and supported, rather than ignored and denied. She feels like a bird trapped in a cage, longing to fly but bound by reality.

"I just hope you can respect my choice and my dream." Lou Xiao'e lowered her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, and her voice became choked with sobs. "Is it so difficult?"

He Yuzhu looked at her tearful face and felt a sharp pain in his heart. He stretched out his hand, wanting to wipe her tears, but he pulled his hand back halfway. He didn't know what to say. The pain and contradiction in his heart made him unable to speak.

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai appeared at the gate of the courtyard. He was a respected elder in the courtyard. He was always fair and strict, and was respected and trusted by everyone. Yi Zhonghai saw this scene, walked up and patted He Yuzhu on the shoulder.

"Xiao He, Xiao E, what happened to you?" Yi Zhonghai's voice was steady and gentle, with a soothing power.

He Yuzhu sighed, turned around and faced Yi Zhonghai, and said in a deep voice: "Uncle Zhonghai, there are some things we can't agree on."

Yi Zhonghai nodded, signaling them to calm down. "Let's talk it over. Arguing won't solve the problem. Sit down and talk slowly."

The three of them walked into the house and sat at the table. The furnishings in the house were simple and warm, with several landscape paintings hanging on the wall and a pot of blooming orchids on the table. Yi Zhonghai poured two cups of hot tea for them, and the fragrance of tea filled the air, bringing a sense of tranquility.

"Yuzhu, Xiao'e, you all know that I have always been a fair person and I don't favor any party." Yi Zhonghai looked at them with concern in his eyes, "Can you each tell me what's in your heart and let me help you analyze it."

He Yuzhu and Lou Xiao'e looked at each other, and finally He Yuzhu spoke first: "Uncle Zhonghai, I just hope Xiao'e can understand me. I work very hard outside, and when I return home I just want to have a warm home instead of a bunch of quarrels."

When Lou Xiao'e heard this, tears welled up in her eyes again. She said softly, "I understand Yuzhu's hard work, and I want to support him, but I also have my own work and dreams. I hope our marriage is based on mutual understanding and support, rather than one party's efforts and sacrifices."

Yi Zhonghai nodded, pondered for a moment, and slowly said: "Yuzhu, you have to understand that marriage is a matter between two people. It is very important to understand and respect each other. Xiao'e, she also needs your support and understanding. You must learn to think from each other's perspective."

Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she whispered, "I understand Yuzhu's hard work, and I want to support him, but I also have my own work and dreams.