Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

He Yuzhu was silent for a long time, his head was weighing the pros and cons. Li Xiangqian in front of him had a firm expression, with a compelling eagerness in his eyes, like a gambler who had staked his entire fortune. In fact, weren't the people in the courtyard forced to this point? He Yuzhu knew in his heart that this silent struggle over food had already been going on quietly. Whoever could produce a few more pounds of food would have a slight advantage in the increasingly severe life. But the risks were also huge. Everyone knew that if the food problem was touched, it would easily backfire. Once the matter was exposed, not only himself but also his family would be in trouble.

"Unity is a solution, but moving forward...what can we use to exchange for food? Are we hoping that the factory will suddenly show mercy and give us more?" He Yuzhu's voice was low and hesitant. Although he was not afraid of trouble, he could not act rashly on this matter.

Li Xiangqian shook his head slightly, his eyes flickering, as if he was weighing whether to speak out his thoughts. Finally, he decided to speak.

"I still have some corn at home." Li Xiangqian lowered his voice very low, as if he was afraid that the wall had ears and outsiders could hear him. As soon as he said this, He Yuzhu's eyebrows immediately raised, and there was a bit of surprise in his eyes.

"Corn? Why do you still have it?" He Yuzhu suppressed his voice, his eyes instantly becoming alert. He understood that at this time, any extra food represented a kind of vitality, but also a kind of danger. Could it be that Li Xiangqian had been preparing for today? He felt that things were not that simple.

Li Xiangqian did not avoid his gaze, but smiled bitterly. "I saved the corn in the past, thinking it would be used in case of emergency. Now the situation is not good, I have to use it. If I delay any longer, I am afraid that everyone in the yard will starve."

Hearing this, He Yuzhu felt mixed emotions. On the one hand, he admired Li Xiangqian's foresight, but on the other hand, he also understood that these corns were simply gold in the current situation. Food was becoming increasingly scarce, and whoever had food had the final say. At this time, Li Xiangqian took out the corns, obviously not just for self-protection, but to seek a bigger action.

"You mean, take the corn out and sell it?" He Yuzhu's voice was low, but with a hint of seriousness.

Li Xiangqian nodded, feeling somewhat uneasy. He knew that this idea was risky. The market was in great demand for food, but it was also full of prying eyes. Everyone wanted to benefit from it, and once the truth was revealed, the consequences would be disastrous. But he had no choice. The family didn't have much food in stock, and with the reduction in daily rations, it wouldn't last long. Corn might be his last bargaining chip.

"I want to go to the market first to see the situation. If the price is right, I will exchange some money. We can't wait for the factory to continue to cut rations." Li Xiangqian's eyes flashed with determination, but he knew in his heart that once he took this step, there would be no turning back.

He Yuzhu stared at Li Xiangqian for a while, his mind churning. He knew that Li Xiangqian's plan was bold, but it was the only feasible way at present. Although corn was valuable, the risks in selling it were self-evident. There were all kinds of people in the market, and many people had long been eyeing those who had food. He and Li Xiangqian were just ordinary workers, so who could guarantee that they would not be targeted?

"Are you sure this is feasible?" He Yuzhu asked in a low voice, frowning.

Li Xiangqian did not answer immediately. Many thoughts were swirling in his mind, and the various scenes of the courtyard in the past few days flashed before his eyes. Hungry co-workers, anxious neighbors, dwindling rations... He knew that waiting to die was not a solution. Instead of waiting to die, it was better to take a gamble. His eyes became firm, "There is no other way now, we can only fight hard."

He Yuzhu stared at him for a few seconds, and finally nodded, his tone becoming heavy: "Okay, then I'll go with you. We can both take care of each other."

Li Xiangqian breathed a sigh of relief. With a "tough guy" like He Yuzhu following him, at least he wouldn't be alone in danger. He nodded, but in his mind he had already started to quickly plan every step to take next. Although Jia Dongxu had heard some news, it was not enough to support his next actions. He had to make more preparations and make comprehensive arrangements at the market, so as not to let any unexpected events ruin things.

After the two men had discussed it, it was already late at night when they returned to the courtyard. Li Xiangqian returned home and gently opened the door. The house was quiet. His wife Xiaoying was still sleeping in bed. Li Xiangqian carefully took off his coat and lay back on the bed. He lay on his side, looking at his wife's sleeping face, feeling bitter in his heart. He knew the risk of taking this step, but he had no choice. For the livelihood of his family, he could only take the risk.

As the night deepened, Li Xiangqian lay on the bed, unable to close his eyes. The scene at the market kept appearing in his mind. He thought of the human traffickers, scalpers, and even the grain stealing gangs rampant in the market, all of whom dared to do anything for grain. There was a hint of fear in his heart, but more of it was the tension and determination that could not be suppressed. He knew that any moment of slackness could put him in danger. Only by being careful and cautious could he protect himself and his family in this silent struggle.

The next morning, Li Xiangqian got up early at daybreak. He walked into the yard. The sky was not yet completely bright, and the courtyard was filled with the chill of the morning. He took a deep breath, feeling mixed emotions. Today would be a critical day. If he took a wrong step, he might lose everything.

He knocked gently on He Yuzhu's door. He Yuzhu was already ready. The two nodded to each other and walked towards the market together. Along the way, the streets were still deserted. Occasionally, an early riser would push a cart slowly past, bringing a little business atmosphere. Li Xiangqian was getting more and more nervous, as if with every step he took, the chill in the air became thicker.

Halfway through the journey, He Yuzhu suddenly stopped and whispered, "Go forward, we have to be careful. There are many people in the market, so it's best not to be too conspicuous."

Li nodded, knowing what he meant. He hid the small package of corn in his arms and wrapped it tightly in his coat, trying not to attract attention. The two walked one after the other through several alleys and finally arrived at the entrance of the market. The market was bustling with people, hawking sounds, all kinds of goods were laid out, and people were bustling around. Everything here seemed busy, but it also revealed a tense and uneasy feeling.