Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

He pushed the door open and saw several people gathered in a corner, discussing something in a low voice. When they saw Li Xiangqian coming in, they flashed a flash of vigilance, but then relaxed. Li Xiangqian nodded to show his friendliness, and then walked closer and saw a few bags of old food and a few bags of dry goods in the corner. Although they were not good things, they were already a good harvest under the current circumstances.

"How do you sell these grains?" Li Xiangqian asked in a low voice, afraid of disturbing anything.

One of the middle-aged men looked up at him, sighed, and said, "These grains have not been sold for a long time. Who would be willing to sell them now? However, if you really need it, I can give you some." There was a hint of hesitation and helplessness in his words.

Li Xiangqian's heartbeat quickened, he knew this was a rare opportunity. "Thank you, brother. I have old and young people at home, I can't stand it any longer, I can give you anything you want, as long as you can exchange it for some food." He knew this request was a bit presumptuous, but he had no other choice.

Li Xiangqian brought back some food from the small shop. Although it was not much, it was enough for his family to have food for a few days. When he returned to the courtyard, he saw that the people in the courtyard were still busy, some were cleaning the courtyard, and some were repairing the house. Although life in the courtyard was difficult, everyone was trying their best to maintain it and supporting each other.

After returning home, Li Xiangqian carefully placed the several bags of food he brought back from the small shop on the table. When Li Xiu'e saw the food, a hint of surprise and joy flashed in her eyes, but then a hint of worry appeared. "Xiangqian, how did you get these food?"

Li Xiangqian sighed and told her briefly what happened. After listening to it, Li Xiu'e's face changed slightly, and she felt both grateful and worried. "Xiangqian, we must cherish the food we brought back with so much effort, otherwise we won't be able to hold on for long."

Li Xiangqian nodded, but he was still thinking about his next move. He knew that these grains were only a temporary relief and could not solve the long-term dilemma. Looking at the bags of grain on the table, he suddenly had an idea - he decided to use a large water tank to store grain and water to cope with the coming days.

This idea became clearer and clearer in his mind. He remembered that there were several large water tanks at home, which were used to store water. Now the water supply was relatively stable, but food was more scarce. He decided to clean one of the water tanks and use it to store food, and continue to store water in the others for emergency use.

Li Xiangqian told Li Xiu'e about this idea. Li Xiu'e was a little hesitant at first, but she also understood her husband's plan. "Xiangqian, this is a good idea. We have to make plans for the future. But..." She paused, with a hint of worry in her voice, "If these grains are hidden too well, if someone gets their eyes on them, we will be in trouble."

Li Xiangqian nodded. He understood Li Xiu'e's worries. Life was not peaceful at all. If anyone had more food at home, it would attract attention. He thought for a moment and decided to move the water tank into the house first, and then find a secluded place to hide it. This would prevent moisture and avoid attracting attention.

That afternoon, Li Xiangqian started to work. He found a few people to help him move the water tank into the house. The neighbors in the courtyard saw his actions and were curious, but they did not ask much. While Li Xiangqian was busy, he secretly felt lucky that this method might bring a glimmer of hope to his family.

After the water tank was moved into the house, Li Xiangqian cleaned it himself to make sure it was clean and free of bacteria. He watched the water tank gradually become clear and bright, and his heart gradually settled down. Then, he poured the grain into the water tank little by little, trying not to make too much noise, for fear of attracting the attention of others.

As the grain gradually filled the water tank, Li Xiangqian's mood became complicated. He knew that this water tank was not only a storage place for grain, but also a hope for the future. He stroked the edge of the water tank and prayed silently in his heart, hoping that the grain could last until better days came.

As he checked the tank for the last time, Li Xiu'e came over and whispered, "Xiang Qian, do you think this will work?"

Li Xiangqian nodded, trying to make his voice sound firm. "Xiu'e, we must prepare for a rainy day. Although the current days are not easy, as long as we are prepared, we can always get through it. This water tank can store a lot of food, which may save lives at a critical moment."

Li Xiu'e looked at her husband. She knew that Li Xiangqian was not someone who gave up easily. Because of this, she felt a little comforted. "You are right, Xiangqian. Let's hold on together, just like before. No matter how difficult the days were, they could not defeat us."

Li Xiangqian smiled and gently hugged Li Xiu'e, feeling a little more comforted. He knew he was not alone, with Li Xiu'e and the children, and the neighbors in the courtyard, he had to be strong and not let anyone down.

As the days went by, Li Xiangqian and Li Xiu'e began to regularly add some food to the water tank, trying to put in as little as possible each time to ensure that there was enough reserve. They hid the food at the bottom of the water tank and covered it with some sundries, making it look like an ordinary water tank.

Over time, Li Xiangqian found that although the people in the courtyard were still struggling to make a living, there was less despair in their eyes, and more of a silent persistence. This persistence may be because they know that Li Xiangqian has always been by their side, looking for a way out for everyone.

One evening, the sky in the courtyard gradually darkened and the evening breeze brought a cool breeze. Li Xiangqian sat on a stone bench in the yard, looking at several children playing not far away, and gradually felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart. He knew that although life was difficult, at least they had not given up and there was still hope to support them.

At this time, Old Zhou came over hobbled, holding a small bamboo tube filled with some coarse rice. "Xiang Qian, you have worked hard these days. This is the last bit of rice I have at home. Take it to your family."

Li Xiangqian was stunned for a moment, then shook his head. "Old Zhou, you can keep it. You have a large family and the children are still young. We are all the same here, so you don't have to worry about us."

Old Zhou stubbornly put the bamboo tube into Li Xiangqian's hand, with a firm voice. "Xiangqian, we are all family. This little bit of rice is nothing. What's important is the thought. You have done so much for everyone during this period of time. We can't let you shoulder it all by yourself." After he said that, he turned around and left without giving Li Xiangqian a chance to refuse.