Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

The courtyard was left by the ancestors of the Li family. After several generations of repairs and reconstructions, it still retains its quaint style. The courtyard is full of various flowers and plants. In spring, the fragrance of flowers is everywhere, and in summer, it is full of greenery. Li Xiangqian always stood in the middle of the courtyard and looked at the farmland around him, always feeling a lot of emotion. He decided to use his own hands to give this land a new vitality.

As soon as spring arrived, Li Xiangqian got up early, put on his old cotton-padded jacket that had been soaked with sweat countless times, and walked to his own farmland. He knew that the spring ploughing season was a critical moment to determine the harvest of the year. In the fields, the ice and snow that had not yet completely melted still left a hint of chill, but he didn't care. He held the hoe tightly with both hands and began to turn over the cold soil. Every hoe he dug was a sign of his love for the land and his expectation for the future.

His wife Li Xiaomei followed closely with a shovel. Although she had bound feet, she worked very hard. The two of them worked in perfect harmony and the weeds in the field were quickly cleared. Li Xiangqian stopped his hoe and looked at the neatly-cut field with a satisfied smile. He knew that this was just the beginning and that greater challenges were still to come.

As time went by, spring came more and more quickly, and Li Xiangqian's farming became busier and busier. Every morning, he and Li Xiaomei began to work in the fields, and would not go home until the sun set. Their son Li Ming and daughter Li Xue also joined the team of field workers after school. Li Ming was already a 15-year-old boy, tall and strong, and often helped his father carry heavy objects. Although Li Xue was only 12 years old, she was a smart little girl who often helped pick vegetables and water the fields.

The villagers were amazed at how hardworking Li Xiangqian and his family were. Someone advised him, "Xiangqian, why do you work so hard every day? Nowadays, many people in the village go out to work and earn money, which is much better than farming." Li Xiangqian just smiled and didn't explain much. He knew in his heart that farmland was his root and the family business passed down from generation to generation. No matter what, he had to cultivate this land well.

Gradually, Li Xiangqian's efforts paid off. In the spring, the wheat seedlings grew well, green and lush, like pieces of jade inlaid on the earth. In the summer, the corn he planted also began to ear, and the golden corn kernels sparkled in the sun. Whenever he saw these, Li Xiangqian's heart was always filled with joy and satisfaction.

However, farming is not always smooth sailing. In the autumn of that year, a sudden rainstorm destroyed most of the crops. Li Xiangqian stood in the flooded fields, feeling heartbroken. His wife Li Xiaomei comforted him and said, "Don't be discouraged. There is always a way out. We can try again." Li Xiangqian nodded silently. He knew that as long as people did not fall, the land would not be barren.

After the autumn harvest, Li Xiangqian began to prepare for the next year's farming. He repaired farm tools, organized warehouses, and stored seeds and fertilizers. He handled every detail meticulously in order to have a good harvest next year. Seeing his diligence, the villagers were gradually infected, and many people began to ask him for farming skills and experience. Li Xiangqian shared his experience with everyone without reservation, hoping that the whole village could have a good harvest year.

One winter night, the aroma of food wafted from the courtyard. Li Xiangqian and his family sat around the stove, eating a hot dinner. Outside the courtyard, the wind was howling, but the house was warm as spring. Li Xiangqian looked at his wife and children, and an inexplicable feeling of emotion surged in his heart. He knew that although life was hard, being together as a family was the greatest happiness.

Li Xiangqian silently vowed in his heart that no matter how difficult the future would be, he would protect this piece of land with his own hands. He wanted this courtyard to prosper forever, so that future generations could also feel the joy and satisfaction brought by farming.

Li Xiangqian sat on the threshold of the courtyard, looking at the leveled fields, and a sense of satisfaction surged in his heart. Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye it was the spring ploughing season again. He looked up at the sky, which was blue and white with bright sunshine. It was a good day for sowing. Thinking of this, his mood also became much brighter.

"Xiang Qian, look, the wheat seedlings in our field have grown a lot taller!" Li Xiaomei came over with a basin of washed vegetables, her voice full of joy.

"Yes, this is a good season and the weather is nice, we will definitely have a good harvest this year." Li Xiangqian responded with a smile, his eyes showing anticipation for the future.

Li Ming and Li Xue also ran out of the yard at this time. Li Ming was carrying a small hoe, and Li Xue was holding a basket of seeds. Li Xiangqian looked at the children, and a deep fatherly love surged in his heart. He knew that his every move would affect the children, and he must set an example to let them understand the importance of labor.

"Dad, what are we going to plant today?" Li Xue asked innocently, with curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"Today we are going to plant corn. You can help clear the weeds in the field first, and then we can sow the seeds together later." Li Xiangqian explained patiently.

The family came to the fields and started to work. Li Xiangqian took a hoe and plowed the land deeply. Every time he plowed the land, he felt more at ease. He knew that only by preparing the land well could the seeds have a good growth environment. Li Xiaomei carefully cleaned the weeds in the corners, and looked up at her husband and children from time to time with a satisfied smile on her face.

Li Ming and Li Xue carefully planted corn seeds under the guidance of their parents. After each seed, Li Xue would carefully cover the soil with a small shovel and pat it, as if to cheer the seeds up. Li Ming was responsible for watering. He carried a bucket and ran back and forth over and over again. Although he was tired and sweaty, he still had an excited smile on his face.

At noon, the sun gradually rose, and the temperature rose with it. Li Xiangqian stood up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said to his wife: "Xiaomei, let's take a break first, drink some water and then continue."

Li Xiaomei nodded, took out a few bottles of water from the basket and handed them to her husband and children. Li Xiangqian took the water bottle and took a few gulps. The cool water flowed into his throat, bringing a sense of comfort. He looked at the family in front of him and felt extremely happy.

"Dad, can we really finish planting all these fields today?" Li Ming wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked worriedly.

"Of course, as long as we work together, nothing is impossible." Li Xiangqian answered firmly, his eyes full of confidence. He knew that as the head of the family, he must bring confidence and hope to his family.