Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

Soon, all the adults and children in the courtyard gathered around the big water tank. Li Xiangqian held a big bowl of fish porridge and said to everyone with a smile: "Come, we have small fish porridge to drink today. One bowl for each person, I guarantee that everyone will eat warm and comfortable!"

Mrs. Wang came over with the bowl in hand, took a bite, and her eyes lit up immediately: "Oh, this fish porridge is so delicious! Xiang Qian, you are really the lucky star of our yard!"

Li Xiangqian scratched his head and smiled a little embarrassedly: "Sister Wang, this is just a small favor. As long as everyone can enjoy the meal, I will be satisfied."

The children squatted in the yard with their small bowls, drinking with relish. They had satisfied smiles on their faces, as if this bowl of porridge could dispel the winter cold. Xiaobao ran to find Li Xiangqian, his eyes sparkling: "Uncle Xiangqian, this porridge is so delicious! Can we drink it every day in the future?"

Li Xiangqian touched Xiaobao's head and said with a smile: "Of course! When we have good ingredients in the future, we will make delicious food for you. As long as everyone is of one mind, there will be no obstacles that cannot be overcome!"

Seeing the children drinking porridge, Li Xiangqian felt warm in his heart. He knew that this small bowl of fish porridge might not fundamentally solve everyone's hunger problem, but at least it brought some warmth and hope to this winter. In the courtyard, the distance between people seemed to be closer, as if they were a big family, relying on each other and facing the difficulties of life together.

In the following days, Li Xiangqian discussed with Uncle Wang, Old Zhang and others and took turns to go to the market to buy small fish and other ingredients. Whenever they had enough ingredients, they would cook a big pot of fish porridge or grain porridge in the courtyard. Everyone would chat while eating and share each other's joys and sorrows. The days in the courtyard seemed to become warm and hopeful because of these shared meals.

One evening, Li Xiangqian was sitting in the yard, looking at the sunset in the sky, and he began to think about how to further benefit everyone in the courtyard. At this time, He Yuzhu came back from outside with a toolbox. He was one of the few people in the courtyard who had skills. He made a living by repairing various daily necessities and also helped his neighbors with repairs. Everyone called him "Brother Zhuzi". Seeing He Yuzhu, Li Xiangqian suddenly had an idea: maybe he could use He Yuzhu's skills to find some resources.

Li Xiangqian stepped forward and greeted him, "Brother Zhuzi, are you done?"

He Yuzhu put down the toolbox, wiped the sweat off his face, and said with a smile, "I'm done. There's not much work to do today. What can I do for you?"

Li Xiangqian moved closer and whispered, "Brother Zhuzi, I want to discuss something with you. You see, our life in the courtyard is just like this. Recently, I have been thinking about whether I can bring back some extra things to make life easier for everyone."

He Yuzhu looked at Li Xiangqian curiously, frowning slightly: "What good ideas do you have? Tell me about it."

Li Xiangqian nodded and continued, "I heard that Xu Damao is in charge of a granary recently. Although there is not much food in the warehouse, there are still a lot of miscellaneous ingredients. Can we think of a way to get some from him? You and Xu Damao are quite familiar with each other, is there any way to ask him about it?"

He Yuzhu couldn't help but smile when he heard this: "Hey, you are a smart guy. Xu Damao is a smart guy but he cares about his reputation. It may not be easy to get food from him. However, I can try to talk to him and see if there is any way."

Li Xiangqian patted He Yuzhu's shoulder and said with a smile: "Brother Zhuzi, I knew you had a way. If we can get something from him, everyone in our yard will be very happy."

The next morning, Li Xiangqian and He Yuzhu went out to look for Xu Damao. They discussed strategies as they walked. He Yuzhu was thinking about how to prevent Xu Damao from getting suspicious and make him willingly give out food. Li Xiangqian was thinking silently that if he could get more fish back, he could make a few more meals of fish porridge.

Arriving at Xu Damao's residence, He Yuzhu spoke first: "Brother Damao, we haven't seen each other for a while. I came to see you today and I have something to talk to you about."

Xu Damao was sitting in the yard smoking a cigarette. When he saw the two men coming, he raised his head with a little surprise: "Hey, Brother Zhuzi, come forward, what brings you here? Tell me, what's the matter?"

He Yuzhu smiled and patted Xu Damao on the shoulder: "Brother Damao, you are in charge of a granary recently. We heard that the supplies there are quite sufficient. Life is a bit tight in the courtyard. I wonder if we can get some surplus food from you. We can also help share some of the pressure."

Hearing this, Xu Damao frowned slightly. He put out his cigarette in the ashtray and squinted at He Yuzhu: "You want to get food from me? Brother Zhuzi, I'm not saying anything bad about you, but you also know that food is in short supply now. Although I'm in charge of the warehouse, I have to keep track of it. If I get less, I won't be able to explain myself."

He Yuzhu laughed and waved his hand: "Brother Damao, don't be so serious. We are all family. I'm not asking you to violate the rules. I just want to see if there is any unimportant surplus food. It won't hurt to take some out. Besides, this will also allow the adults and children in our yard to have more food, don't you think?"

After hearing this, Xu Damao pondered for a moment, and a look of embarrassment appeared on his face. He was actually a little shaken in his heart. After all, they were all neighbors in the courtyard, and they saw each other every day. But when he thought of his responsibilities, he was a little hesitant.

Seeing Xu Damao was hesitant, Li Xiangqian quickly interrupted and said, "Brother Damao, we don't expect you to give us anything expensive. We just need some small fish and grains that we don't usually use. Eating these can improve our lives. Besides, look at those children. They are almost out of nutrition now. It's really heartbreaking."

These words touched Xu Damao's heart. He thought of the children in the courtyard, who were indeed very thin. Then he looked at the expectant eyes of Li Xiangqian and He Yuzhu, and finally nodded: "Okay, since you have said this, I will go back and see if there is anything I can take out of the warehouse. However, you have to keep it a secret for me and don't let anyone outside know, otherwise I can't bear the responsibility."

Hearing this, Li Xiangqian and He Yuzhu both breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded and agreed: "Don't worry, Brother Damao, we are the only ones who know about this, and we will never let anyone else know!"