Siheyuan: Tathagata's Palm suppresses the entire courtyard!

During this period, Xu Mingjie met his future wife, a girl who also grew up in the hutong. They met in the busy hutong, got to know each other, and finally got together. Their wedding was held in the courtyard, and the neighbors came to congratulate them, filling this small hutong with laughter.

However, with the advent of reform and opening up, Beijing's urban construction has once again ushered in a huge change. Siheyuan is once again facing the risk of demolition, and many old alleys are forced to be demolished to make way for modern urban construction. Xu Mingjie and his family are also deeply affected by this, and their Siheyuan is facing the pressure and choice of demolition.

At this critical moment, Xu Mingjie had to re-examine his life and future. He deeply loved his profession and tradition, but faced with the unstoppable process of urbanization, he felt powerless and frustrated. He didn't know whether the Siheyuan would continue to exist in the future, and he didn't know whether his craftsmanship had a future.

However, Xu Mingjie did not give up. He decided to work with his family to preserve their courtyard house and continue to pass on their woodworking skills. They participated in community activities and actively participated in the protection and restoration of the courtyard house, hoping to gain more support and protection.

By the mid-1980s, Beijing's urban construction entered a new stage. With the support of national policies, some courtyard houses with historical and cultural value were protected and repaired, becoming tourist attractions and part of the cultural heritage. Xu Mingjie's courtyard house was also preserved, and he and his family finally kept this home through their own efforts.

In the years that followed, Xu Mingjie continued to work on his woodworking business, his skills becoming increasingly sophisticated and his reputation growing. He became a well-known carpenter in the hutong, not only inheriting his father's craftsmanship, but also developing his own style and brand. His courtyard house became a place for neighbors to gather and communicate, and also became a representative of traditional culture and craftsmanship.

Today, Xu Mingjie stands in his own courtyard house, looking back on this tortuous but hopeful life journey. He knows that the courtyard house is not only a symbol of his family, but also a part of Beijing's culture and history. He hopes that his children and grandchildren can continue to protect this tradition and pass it on, so that the spirit and value of the courtyard house can be preserved forever.

Xu Mingjie stood in his courtyard, looking at the century-old sycamore tree in the middle of the courtyard. This sycamore tree is tall and straight, and it always attracts many people every autumn to come and look up at this last surviving ancient tree. Under the tree, several neighbors were chatting, and their laughter and chatter were intertwined, as if returning to the past of their youth. Outside the window, the setting sun was reflected on the courtyard wall, and the mottled shadows made this courtyard seem even more ancient and quiet.

"Old Xu, look, the leaves of this sycamore tree this year are more lush than in previous years." A neighbor said, pointing to the sycamore tree in the yard.

Xu Mingjie smiled and nodded, cherishing the old tree in his heart. "Yes, this tree has been with our family for several generations. Every time I see it, I feel a stronger sense of home."

At this time, the gate was pushed open and a neatly dressed young man came in. It was Xu Mingjie's son He Yushui. He was tall, with a handsome face and short hair that made him look neat and capable. Yushui had studied in another place for several years and recently came back to help with carpentry work at home. He watched his father chatting with neighbors, smiled and walked over.

"Dad, several customers called today to ask about furniture repairs." Yu Shui said.

Xu Mingjie nodded and said with emotion: "Although the environment of the courtyard has changed a lot over the years, there are still some people who like old things and handicrafts like ours. We must grasp this market and not let our craftsmanship be lost."

Yu Shui looked at his father with respect and understanding in his eyes. "Yes, Dad, your craftsmanship is more exquisite than any machine. I feel now that coming back to help you is the best decision I have ever made."

As they were talking, there was another knock on the courtyard door. Xu Mingjie went to open the door and saw that the visitor was Jia Dongxu from the entrance of the alley, a carpenter who was a generation older than Xu Mingjie.

"Old Jia, is there anything wrong?" Xu Mingjie asked.

Jia Dongxu said with an unhappy look: "Mingjie, I have to tell you that the guy Jia's newly opened furniture store is trying to steal our business again, saying that we old craftsmen are useless and can only make money by selling old things."

Xu Mingjie frowned, a little angry: "How can he say that! What we are repairing is not just old things, but also the continuation of history and culture. Jia Dongxu, don't be angry, you go and repair that broken chair, I will accompany you, we will do it together."

After hearing this, Jia Dongxu showed a grateful smile on his face: "Mingjie, you really take this business seriously."

Two old carpenters sat together in the yard, repairing the old chair. They cooperated tacitly, and their techniques were skillful and gentle. During their repair process, Yu Shui watched quietly, and his heart had more respect and love for this traditional craft.

After the repair was completed, Jia Dongxu patted Xu Mingjie on the shoulder and said, "Mingjie, we can't be defeated by these people. We must stick to our path and our craft."

Xu Mingjie smiled, his heart full of emotion and determination: "Yes, Lao Jia, we carpenters should be like this sycamore tree, growing tenaciously and never retreating."

Night fell quietly in the courtyard. Under the lights, the courtyard looked even more peaceful and tranquil. Xu Mingjie and Jia Dongxu sat on a bench in the courtyard, telling interesting stories about repairing furniture in the past, and their laughter echoed in the small courtyard. Yu Shui listened quietly, her eyes full of persistence and expectation for family, craftsmanship, and inheritance.

As the night deepened, the lights in the courtyard gradually dimmed, leaving only a faint warm glow. When Xu Mingjie and Jia Dongxu were repairing furniture in the yard, the gate was gently pushed open again. This time, a young man came in, panting slightly, with a panicked expression on his face.

"Master Jia, Master Xu, come and help!" the young man shouted hurriedly.

Xu Mingjie and Jia Dongxu looked at each other, put down their woodworking tools, and walked towards the young man. They looked at the young man panting, and they couldn't help but feel a little curious and worried.

"What's wrong, young man? Why are you so anxious?" Jia Dongxu asked.

The young man was almost incoherent: "It's that... He Yushui. He and a few other guys had a quarrel and now they are fighting together!"