Siheyuan: Tathagata's Palm suppresses the entire courtyard!

Their conversation gradually eased Xu Mingjie's doubts and uneasiness, and replaced them with a deeper emotional connection and trust. They decided to face the challenges of the future together, not letting the past become a burden on their relationship, but as a part of growth and learning.

Xu Mingjie, a young man born in a courtyard house in Deshengmen, grew up in the alleys of old Beijing. His grandfathers were court painters in the Qing Dynasty, enjoying a certain reputation in the palace and leaving behind several masterpieces. Although the family was not wealthy, the Xu family has been engaged in calligraphy and painting for generations, passing down the essence of art and culture from generation to generation.

In the early 20s, Xu Mingjie was already a young artist in the Deshengmen courtyard. He inherited his grandfather's talent for painting, and at the same time, under the trend of the new era, he began to try to innovate in modern art. Although his family was not well-off, with the support of his parents, he worked hard to study and explore, hoping to achieve something in the field of art.

Inside and outside the courtyard, the changes of the times are everywhere. Politically, the country is carrying out the Great Leap Forward and socialist construction, and many new buildings and facilities are emerging in the city. Culturally, foreign modern music and movies are becoming popular among young people, replacing traditional opera and folk art. These changes not only affect the lives of the public, but also leave a deep mark on Xu Mingjie's artistic style.

Xu Mingjie's studio is a small house in a courtyard, simple but full of inspiration. He likes to sit on a stone bench in the yard in the early morning or at dusk, gazing at the sky and the lines of the buildings, capturing a unique Beijing style. His paintings are full of unique insights into life and the city, with both the shadow of traditional culture and the elements of contemporary art.

Among the neighbors in the courtyard, many are old friends and fellow artists of Xu Mingjie. Some are writers, some are musicians, and some are dancers. In this small courtyard, they influence, communicate, and create with each other, and together witness the changes of the times. Although they have different preferences, they all deeply love the land and culture of old Beijing, and strive to explore and innovate in their own artistic fields.

Xu Mingjie's life is not limited to artistic creation. He is also the mainstay of his family. As his parents grow older, he often takes care of all the big and small things at home. Although his works have some influence in a small range, they are not well-known in society and he has always been in financial difficulties. However, he did not give up and still silently insisted on his artistic dream.

In Xu Mingjie's life, there is also a special friend named Li Mei. She is an excellent dancer, good at modern dance and classical dance, and often performs on domestic and foreign stages. The two met at an art exhibition and started a deep spiritual relationship. Li Mei's dance coincides with Xu Mingjie's painting. They inspire each other in their creation and explore the meaning of art and life together.

However, just as society and times change, the fate of Deshengmen Siheyuan is also quietly changing. Political storms continue to sweep across the country, and the dark clouds of the Cultural Revolution gradually cover the sky of Beijing. The lives of artists have been hit unprecedentedly, their works have been questioned and censored, and some have even lost their freedom and lives.

Xu Mingjie and his friends were not immune to the storm. Their works were criticized as bourgeois literary revolution, their studios were closed, and life in the courtyard became unusually quiet. Li Mei was labeled a reactionary because of her influence on Western dance and was forced to leave Beijing and go to a remote rural area for labor reform.

During this turbulent period, Xu Mingjie experienced great hardships and tests in his heart. He stopped painting and silently endured the pressure from the political movement and the worries of his family. He watched his friends around him leave one by one and watched his dream crumble in the storm. However, his love and belief in art never changed.

Now, the courtyard of the Deshengmen Siheyuan seems particularly quiet. The once bustling studios and stages no longer exist, leaving only a stone road polished by time and a mossy courtyard wall. Xu Mingjie still lives here. Although he no longer paints, he is still an artist at heart. He hopes that one day, the creations on this land can be revitalized and usher in a new dawn.

He knows that the storm will eventually pass and the sun will eventually reappear. And this ancient courtyard will continue to witness the changes of the times and record the stories of every artist and resident. Xu Mingjie closed his eyes and recalled the bits and pieces of those years. His heart was filled with endless emotion and hope. In a corner of this world, there will always be someone who continues to pursue and pass on the flame of art. He firmly believes this.

Xu Mingjie still gets up on time every day. Although he no longer sits on the stone bench in the yard to watch the sky and clouds, he still maintains his regularity and love for life. Every time the first ray of sunlight in the morning casts mottled light and shadows through the old courtyard wall, he always feels a sense of peace. Life in the Deshengmen courtyard is peaceful and orderly, as if time flows a little slower here, giving people more space to think and create.

On this day, a familiar voice broke the tranquility of the courtyard. Yu Li's crisp voice came from outside the door: "Ran Qiuye, are you home?" Ran Qiuye is Xu Mingjie's friend and his neighbor for many years. The two grew up together in the courtyard. Xu Mingjie heard the voice and looked up. His heart was moved. His old friend, whom he had not seen for many years, appeared in front of his door.

"Come on, come in!" Ran Qiuye's voice was a little excited. He went out and enthusiastically pulled Yu Li into the yard. Yu Li was wearing a white shirt, simple but graceful. Her appearance made the tranquility of the courtyard seem to have a vivid color.

"Mingjie, long time no see!" Yu Li greeted Xu Mingjie with a smile. Her eyes were filled with warmth and familiarity, as if this was once her familiar home.

Xu Mingjie also walked over with a smile and held Yu Li's hand: "Yes, long time no see. How come you thought of coming to see me?" His voice was a little surprised and curious, because he knew that Yu Li was a busy person and rarely had time to come to such an old Beijing place.

"I haven't been busy with work recently, so I thought of coming to see you. Ran Qiuye said that your paintings are getting better and better, and I really want to see your new works." There was a glimmer of anticipation and curiosity in Yu Li's eyes. She has always admired Xu Mingjie's art.