Siheyuan: If you ruin the reputation of the whole courtyard, I will move out

Zhang Yu replied: "Of course, I will train on time every morning."

Lu Quanfa snorted softly, "You have already touched the fundamental level of boxing. From now on, you can rest after your morning run and focus on standing practice to improve your physical fitness."

Hearing this, Zhang Yu's eyes lit up, and he guessed that Lu Quanfa had a new training strategy waiting for him.

"In the past, you were asked to run in the morning mainly for shaping and physical preparation. Now it is time to strengthen your body's foundation through standing still." Lu Quan explained his original intention.

In fact, Zhang Yu was already tired on the morning jogging days. Repeating the same lap around the outskirts of Beijing was really tiring. If it weren't for the fact that urban development had not yet reached a wide range, he might have lost his persistence.

However, Lu Quanfa understood and knew that Zhang Yu's intention of running in the morning was not only for exercise, but also for mental training. The road of martial arts is long, lonely and full of challenges. It requires not only the endurance of a marathon, but also an unwavering spiritual will. "The road to physical training has no end," this is Lu Quanfa's comment on his three years of hard training. At this moment, after a long period of preparation, Lu Quanfa officially taught Zhang Yu the core secrets of Bajiquan. Zhang Yu, who is talented, has a very fast understanding of kung fu and quickly comprehended the static standing method of concentrating the breath.

"Practicing Zhuanggong is a lifelong practice, and you must not give up halfway. When your foundation is more solid, I will teach you the core of Bajiquan." At the end of the sunset class, Lu Quanfa looked a little tired and his face looked bad. Zhang Yu asked carefully and concernedly: "Master, do you need to rest?"

"Don't worry, I can still hold on for a while." Lu Quanfa gently pushed away Zhang Yu's support and said, "Times have changed. Martial arts are no longer the only way to resist the weapons of modern society. As a member of the Baji lineage, I have a heavy responsibility to keep our martial arts tradition alive. Before I die, I am willing to do my best to pass on the spirit of Bajiquan."

Ever since meeting Li Huating, Zhang Yu felt that his master Lu Quanfa's passion for teaching martial arts seemed even more intense.

When night fell, Zhang Yu personally cooked dinner and sent his master to sleep before leaving the courtyard. Due to the delicate static standing and the quiet training conditions indoors, Zhang Yu was not disturbed too much when taking care of Lu Quanfa.

The key to standing still is to train and adjust the function of the skin pores. When ordinary people are nervous or frightened, their pores will automatically close, just like the "goose bump reaction" where the hair stands up. The uniqueness of Baji Posture lies in this: mastering the opening of pores through practice is the essence of internal martial arts.

He knew very well that standing meditation is not a one-day job, so Zhang Yu controlled the daily practice time to about half an hour, and then went through the process of cleansing and restoring physical strength.

Thanks to the resumption of work in the mining industry on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the holiday was just right, and He Yushui hoped to spend more time with Zhang Yu to deepen their relationship. But in their era, there were not many leisure activities, and dates were usually limited to walks in the street park and occasionally bravely stepping into the woods for adventure.

In the early stages of their relationship, Zhang Yu promised He Yushui that he would never touch her before they got married, and at most he would only hold her hand or kiss her on the cheek to show his affection.

The next morning, Ran Qiuye visited the compound not only to visit He Yuzhu, but also to have an important mission - to collect Banggeng's tuition for the new year. However, the money had been delayed for a long time, and the school warned Ran Qiuye and issued a final reminder. If Ran Qiuye could not pay, Banggeng might face the dilemma of dropping out of school.

After experiencing that incident, Ran Qiuye felt extremely dissatisfied with Qin Huairu, and she had given up the idea of ​​helping Qin Huairu repay her debts.

In order to protect Ran Qiuye from harm, He Yuzhu decided to stay by her side and went to Jia's house together. From a distance, they heard Jia Zhang's excited voice: "Our family is too poor and can't afford the tuition for so many children." In response, He Yuzhu said tit for tat: "Raising children is how it should be, how can it become a reason for debate."

"If you are really rich, would you be reluctant to support Banggeng to study?" Jia Zhang raised her voice. They did not win the argument, but hurriedly fled after Jia Zhang waved the broom in her hand. When he got home, He Yuzhu drank the tea that had already cooled down in one gulp, not caring about the temperature of the tea at all. Seeing him like this, He Yushui said worriedly that he should add some hot water; however, Zhang Yu angrily slapped the table and accused He Yushui, "Your heart is as restless as hot tea and you are difficult to control. You are too impulsive." Faced with such accusations, He Yushui just rolled his eyes at him and said with a smile: "Look at you, you are so irritable even during the New Year."

He Yuzhu said angrily, "That Jia Po is too much. She hasn't paid back the money for such a long time and still makes excuses. It doesn't make sense."

Although He Yuzhu was in a bad mood, Ran Qiuye, with her gentle personality, did not get angry. She said softly, "Being harmonious is the most important thing, right?"

Speaking of tomorrow's events, He Yuzhu's plan to pay New Year's greetings to Teacher Ran made Ran Qiuye blush a little, "What are you talking about? Actually, it's your turn to go to our teacher's house to pay New Year's greetings."

At the beginning of last year, Ran Qiuye revealed her interaction with Zhang Yu to her parents. At first, they did not approve of this relationship when they heard that Zhang Yu was a chef. But after Zhang Yu gave gifts for several consecutive days and expressed his sincere feelings, their hesitation was reduced, and they finally took the initiative to approach He Yuzhu for in-depth communication.

He Yushui next to her half-jokingly reminded: "Brother, remember to pay attention to your image when you go to your father-in-law's house." Then, she turned to Ran Qiuye, "Sister, Happy New Year." After that, He Yushui held her arm tightly and smiled kindly.

Everyone recognizes that He Yuzhu is intelligent, and her help has played a driving role, accelerating the development of the relationship between He Yuzhu and Ran Qiuye.

Seeing He Yuzhu was ready, Zhang Yu asked with concern: "Brother, what are you going to bring to visit the teacher? Do you need me to prepare some good wine in advance?" Hearing this, He Yuzhu touched the back of his head and said, "No need, the Xifeng wine I brought last time is still here, just take it."

"Teacher Ran's parents are intellectuals and have an overseas background. You must be careful when talking to him. Even if you want to drink, you must be cautious and not make a fool of yourself." Zhang Yu reminded again.

Seeing that everyone trusted him so much, He Yuzhu smiled bitterly and said, "You all say the same thing, and I accept it. What you said to Yuzhu is exactly the same." Everyone in the room smiled knowingly, especially his sister He Yushui.

"Brother, you are actually a nice guy, but you speak a little sharply. I'm really afraid that you will accidentally hurt others. In fact, I'm afraid that you will unintentionally say something that will make my father-in-law unhappy." He Yushui said with a smile and teased him.

"Do you think I'm that stupid?" He Yuzhu glared at her, then turned to Ran Qiuye and asked, "Qiuye, do your parents have any special rules or habits?"

"My family members are not particularly particular. As long as you are polite, there won't be much trouble. As long as you talk to the point, they are easy to get along with." Looking at his stubborn expression, Ran Qiuye smiled gently.

For him, although He Yuzhu is direct in words, he is a warm and kind person in his heart, a man worth relying on. But for her, his attitude towards learning is slightly dissatisfied, and he seems to only seek peace.

The living room was still filled with cheerful conversation when Yi Zhonghai made an announcement: there was a community gathering that everyone had to attend.

"We still have to hold a meeting during the New Year?" He Yuzhu walked out of the room dissatisfied. Because he had not been fully accepted as a family member, he was still chatting with his sister He Yushui in the room.

Seeing that they were chatting happily, it seemed difficult for others to interrupt. Zhang Yu then accompanied him to the living room. When the neighbors arrived one after another, Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haiyang and Yan Bugui spoke after exchanging words:

"Please be quiet, today we are going to discuss the Jia family's affairs."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's attention immediately focused on Qin Huairu and Jia Zhangshi.

"Everyone knows that the Jia family lives in poverty and can only rely on Qin Huairu to make money. Now they don't even have money to make dumplings, and the problem of paying Jia Banggen's tuition is particularly serious. I suggest that everyone lend a helping hand and solve this problem as soon as possible to ensure that he does not drop out of school because of this." Yi Zhonghai suggested.

As soon as this proposal was made, the atmosphere in the courtyard suddenly became lively, and the topic of discussing how to raise tuition fees was officially put on the table.

Yan Bugui responded calmly, "If the Jia family really can't afford the tuition, temporarily postponing payment is not an impossible strategy to consider. It is also a solution to the problem to make up the payment when they are able to do so."

Liu Haizhong followed up: "As for the tuition issue, this is a personal matter of the Jia family. We don't need to discuss it as a whole. Director, our main responsibility is to perform management functions in the neighborhood office, not to arbitrarily interfere in other people's private affairs."

This sentence directly refers to Yi Zhonghai's proposal, and his face can't help but darken. "We must not let the children suffer, nor ignore their educational needs. This is a clear instruction from our superiors." Yi Zhonghai emphasized in the professional tone of an official, while mentioning the special nature of the stick: "He is the only son of the Jia family. His academic difficulties will make the Jia family's life more difficult. We live in the same courtyard. When others encounter difficulties, we should all do our best to provide assistance, which will promote unity."

However, Liu Haizhong was speechless for a moment. Yi Zhonghai looked around and continued, "In fact, the tuition for Gunbang is only a few dollars a year. If everyone shares it, even a few dimes can make up a considerable amount."

After everyone looked at each other for a moment, they fell into silence. A few cents may be a small amount, but how much money can be exchanged for a sumptuous meal? Why should they help the Jia family out of their own pockets?

Seeing that no one responded immediately, Yi Zhonghai looked to He Yuzhu for a solution: "Zhuzi, how do you think this matter should be handled? Should we help the Jia family?"

He Yuzhu answered flatly, "No." His words revealed his dissatisfaction: "Why should I help ungrateful people?"

Yi Zhonghai angrily retorted: "For the sake of the harmony of the courtyard, how can we mix personal grudges into it!" However, just as He Yuzhu was about to argue, he was stopped by Zhang Yu. Because he knew that continuing to debate like this would only fall into the other party's trap.

Zhang Yu stepped forward and said, "Uncle, it's not that we don't want to help, but in fact they can completely solve the problem on their own."

"Zhang Yu, what do you mean...?"

Zhang Yu replied: "Given their current situation, the Jia family can directly apply to the street office to become a needy family, so that Gunbang's tuition problem can be solved."

Jia Zhang was anxious after hearing this. She stood up hastily and retorted: "My family does not qualify as a poor family."

Zhang Yu sneered, "Jia Zhang, don't you want to work? If you become a poor family, you can enjoy more assistance and preferential treatment, such as priority employment support and training guidance. Your three children don't have to work, so the main responsibility falls on you alone."

Jia Zhang was already nearly 40 years old and strong, so how could she stay at home doing nothing? Sometimes there were job opportunities on the street, such as pasting matchboxes.

But everyone knew that Jia Zhang liked comfort and hated working, and often chose to receive subsidies instead of looking for a job. After Zhang Yu's words, everyone's views on Jia Zhang became complicated and subtle.

Yi Zhonghai felt that the situation was unfavorable and was worried that this atmosphere would shake his position in the courtyard. Although everyone might be reluctant, they would generally donate one or two cents to maintain their face, and the key was that He Shazhu always volunteered to take on this burden.

Since Sha Zhu and Qin Huairu had a deep hatred, Yi Zhonghai found it difficult to effectively control Sha Zhu, especially when Sha Zhu pursued Ran Qiuye. He hinted to Sha Zhu several times that he was not educated enough and was not suitable for the girl from the Ran family, and that he should find a more suitable spouse.

But Sha Zhu completely ignored Yi Zhonghai's warning, which made Yi Zhonghai very worried.

"Even if the Jia family is extremely poor, if he is really elected, it will be after the Chinese New Year. How can he do this when his children are about to drop out of school?" Yi Zhonghai retorted.

Zhang Yu snorted and laughed, thinking to himself, it seems that the eldest master and Jia Zhang are up to some tricks?

Jia Zhang was in so much pain that she couldn't express it in words. She sobbed and said, "Old Jia, you have to protect our grandson even in the underworld. It seems that he has difficulty paying the tuition."

Faced with the changing situation, Liu Haizhong decisively changed his position: "I will make my position clear immediately. I will donate no matter how much the amount is. As the second son of a big family, I will at least donate one yuan to help the Jia family."

After saying this, the second aunt widened her eyes in shock. Although the one yuan was a small amount, she knew very well that the family's property rights were controlled by Liu Haizhong.

“Are the donations you mentioned really completely voluntary?”

Although Yi Zhonghai was a little unhappy about Zhang Yu's questioning, he remained calm on the surface: "Of course, this is a donation made by individuals according to their own abilities. The amount is more or less is everyone's voluntary decision."

Zhang Yu said: "Since it is a voluntary donation, it may not be comfortable if it is only a small amount. Why don't we donate anonymously and put all the money in the box."

Yan Bugui thought for a moment and agreed: "That makes sense. The key is to give with sincerity. Otherwise, there is no point in helping."

Seeing that everyone unanimously supported Zhang Yu, Yi Zhonghai felt secretly frustrated.

Yan Bugui then suggested: "Everyone can hide their wallets in napkin bags and put them in the recycling bin, so no one will know the amount."

Liu Haizhong winked at his wife and then took out a small box. But before Yi Zhonghai could speak, the box was already placed on the table, and everyone followed suit as if they hadn't noticed Yi Zhonghai's presence.

Yi Zhonghai knew that nothing could be done and he could only follow the crowd. He took out a dollar and threw it into the box without hiding anything.

After watching this scene, He Yuzhu and Zhang Yu exchanged glances and added a few copper coins each. Then everyone left and entrusted the three uncles to supervise the donation that affected their fate.

In order to have an explanation, Yan Bugui found a reason to let Liu Haizhong give the box to him, who would then pass it to Yi Zhonghai. But seeing that everyone left quietly, he had to open the box himself to check the donations.

After opening the box, Yi Zhonghai's calmness like that of a blacksmith gradually turned into a heavy gaze. The box was filled with thick cloth bags, but there were only a few coins left. Every time a bag was opened, there was only a penny, and some even only had a blank piece of paper.

After adding up the total, the total was only one dollar and twenty cents, and one dollar of that was his own money!

After taking the bills, Jia Zhang kept counting them, her face changing from gloomy to bright.

"You two each donated one yuan, how come it's only ten or two dimes!" Jia Zhang's questioning voice revealed confusion.