Xu Damao's Thirty-Six Stratagems in Siheyuan

Xu Damao and Gu Meifang spent another day at Fang Xiaoru's home before returning to their homes on Dongsishitiao.

"Dad, Mom, you two have worked hard. I've asked you to take care of the children here all this time, Xiao'e."

"Da Mao, what are you talking about? They are all grandchildren of our Xu family. Besides, your father and I have been in good health these years and can still move. It would be a blessing to help take care of the children while we are still able to move."

Lou Xiao'e was already close to giving birth. She sat in the comfortable courtyard, chewing an apple. She saw Xu Damao and Gu Meifang coming home earlier. The heat in her eyes was obvious. She was still saying,

"Da Mao, Sister Fang, I'm back. I thought you might need some time."

Xu Damao used his mental power to check Lou Xiaoe's physical condition and felt relieved when he felt that she was fine. He went into the house to put his suitcase away and then came back to the yard to accompany Lou Xiaoe.

"Ezi, do you feel okay?"

"I'm fine. I went to the hospital for a checkup last week. The doctor said I could be hospitalized in the second half of the month. I'm older now, so the risk is higher. I'd better go to the hospital for observation as soon as possible. But I don't want to go early because I can't get used to the smell of disinfectant in the hospital."

"Well, I'm back, everything is fine. I'm here to make sure you're safe."

"Well, hey, I like to hear you say that."

It feels so good to be home. Xu Damao watched his parents busying around, and then looked at his beloved wife Lou Xiao'e who was about to give birth, and the happiness that surged in his heart moved him.

He moved a chair and sat next to Lou Xiao'e, holding her hand and stroking it.

"What do you want to eat tonight? I'll make it for you. Do you like my mom's cooking?"

"It's okay. I'm not picky. Yu Li sends me different soups every week. Haven't you seen me getting fatter and fatter? I guess you'll hate me after I give birth to the baby."

"How could that be? Leave your figure and your health to me. I will make sure that you are still radiant and charming after the confinement period."

"That's what you said."

"Don't worry. By the way, have the kids been behaving well while I was away? Have they gotten into any trouble?"

"It's fine. Xiaoyu often comes to help. Her big sister look really suppresses the blood, especially Xu Zhilu." Zhiyue was stunned by their big sister. I just want to laugh when I see it."

"That's good. In the past, the three little ones were taken care of by Hanhan at home. Now Hanhan is out, and Xiaoyu is taking care of them. That's good."

"Oh, by the way, in early April, Mr. Pu came to your house to look for you and asked you to come visit him when you come back."

"Oh, I'll go there tomorrow. I was going to look for him anyway. I bought him some gifts in the United States, so I have to give them to him now."

When Xu Zhidi and the other two returned home from school, they received gifts from abroad. They were extremely happy. Especially when Xu Zhidi received a Nikon professional photography camera and a matching medium lens from the United States but made in Japan, he could only share his excitement with his mother Gu Meifang, who had been away from him for nearly two months. It was the first time for the three children to be away from their mother for such a long time, and they really missed her. It is not a rumor that sons love their mothers. These three are like that.

The next day, after sending his children to school, Xu Damao went to Qianmenwai Street with a gift bag.

"Master, I'm back."

"Finally you're back. Hey, you're really luckier than us. I wanted to go abroad and see the world, but I just don't have the chance. Did you go to the museum?"

"That's for sure. There are so many good things here. I want to take them back."

"Da Mao, I didn't have the chance to visit it. You can have a chance to see it more often for the teacher in the future. It's such a pity that such good things are lost in a foreign land."

"Teacher, I want to come back too. Don't underestimate foreigners. There are some who know the goods and keep them well. I can't help it. It's a historical issue. I think it's another way to promote Chinese culture."

"You are really good at comforting yourself. Yes, I sent someone to bring you a letter. It is the batch of things from Mr. Meng. I have donated them to the Buddhist Library and Cultural Center. This was arranged by Mr. Zhao, the president of the Buddhist Association. Last month, a special ceremony was held in Fayuan Temple, and Kyoto TV and the daily newspaper were invited to report on this matter. And under the care of Mr. Zhao, Mr. Meng's reputation has been restored. Mr. Zhao praised you, saying that you are compassionate and have great merits. He also wrote a couplet for you. If it wasn't for the special gift to you, I would have kept it for myself." As he said this, he opened the cabinet behind him and took out a scroll, saying, "I framed it for you. Open it and take a look."

Xu Damao didn't expect that Mr. Zhao Zhao would specially leave a calligraphy for him, and he was ecstatic. This is something that ordinary people can't ask for. He couldn't wait to open the scroll,

"Boundless wisdom, freedom of body and mind" are two rows of vertical regular script with a slightly cursive style of Zhao's unique calligraphy. On the left is also signed "Gift to Zhibai Jushi", with the signature: Pu Chu, and a piece of red ink.

"Teacher Pu, thank you, thank you, this is such a surprise."

"Da Mao, this is the fate. Mr. Zhao also said that although you have taken refuge in the Three Jewels, you have a heart to worship Buddha. It is right and it is not, it is not right and it is also right. You deserve the title of lay Buddhist. So I wrote Lay Buddhist in my signature. As for using the courtesy name Zhibai, it is because I have a little selfish desire and feel proud of it."

"Master, I like it very much. Thank you, teacher."

Xu Damao received the scroll, made some tea, and told Pu Yulin in detail about the fine works he had seen in various museums in the United States. He also ordered some wine and food, and had lunch together. After giving the gift bag to Pu Yulin, he took the scroll home.

Thinking of Pu Yulin's words today that he liked his daughter Xu Zhiyu and wanted her to be his granddaughter-in-law, it really felt good. Pu Junluo, Yan Ji's second son, was the eldest grandson of Pu, although he had an older brother, Yan Junhao, who was the successor of the Yan family.

Pu Junluo is four years older than Dandan. He is now a junior in the Chinese Department of Peking University. In fact, he is familiar with the three girls, Handan, Shuying, and they studied music, carving and appraisal together. They can be considered childhood sweethearts.

Well, this matter must be decided by my daughter herself. Xu Damao will not interfere. Now that we have entered the 1980s, the issue of parents' orders and matchmaker's words has almost faded. Besides, it is still a question when Dandan can return to China and whether Pu Junluo can wait. However, Xu Damao is still willing to marry into the Pu family. The Pu family has been a scholarly family for generations, and their family background is not low. If it is a real marriage, it will be a close relationship. This matter can be suggested.

Well, today's harvest is really good. The main reason is that Mr. Zhao's calligraphy touched Xu Damao's heart. Being free in body and mind is exactly what Xu Damao pursues. Otherwise, he might still be working in the Youth League Committee of the steel mill.

Early morning on Sunday, May 26th.

Lou Xiao'e successfully gave birth to a baby boy weighing more than 8 kilograms in Dongzhimen Hospital.