Siheyuan: Rebirth of Liu Ergou

The snowstorm had been going on for several days, and the capital seemed to be covered by a thick white velvet blanket. The trees on both sides of the street were bent by the snow, and occasionally when the wind blew, it would spread a puff of snow mist. Nanluoguxiang, this ancient street, became unusually quiet at this moment, with only the snowflakes flying in the air, making rustling sounds.

Courtyard No. 95, located deep in Nanluoguxiang, was bustling with activity at the moment. A general meeting of the whole courtyard was being held here, and people in the courtyard were sitting around a bonfire, the firelight illuminating their anxious faces.

The second uncle Liu Haizhong cleared his throat. As the host of this meeting, he was the first to speak: "My fellow men, now every household is running out of coal. The weather is getting colder and colder. We have to find a way to solve this problem."

As soon as the voice fell, the yard immediately began to chatter and everyone expressed their opinions. Some suggested going up the mountain to chop firewood, some suggested going to the neighboring village to buy coal, and some wanted to unite and petition the government. There were many different opinions, but they could not reach a consensus.

Seeing this, an old man named Yi Zhonghai also stood up and tried to calm everyone down: "Stop arguing, talk one by one, we can always find a good solution." However, his words did not have much effect, and the people in the yard continued to argue.

At this moment, Liu Yi yelled, "Stop! Since everyone can't convince the other party, let the third uncle talk. He is knowledgeable and will definitely have a solution."

After hearing this, everyone fell silent and turned their eyes to the third uncle sitting in the corner. The third uncle's name was Yan Bugui, he was an educated man and was well respected in the village. He slowly stood up, walked to the campfire, took a deep breath, and then slowly spoke: "Dear neighbors, although I, Yan Bugui, am not well educated, I also know the truth that 'there is always a way out'. The difficulties we are facing now are indeed great, but as long as we unite as one, there will be no obstacles that we cannot overcome."

He paused and continued, "First, I think we should send someone to the countryside to find out what the situation is like there and whether they have any extra coal to sell to us. Secondly, we can organize some young and strong people to go up the mountain to chop firewood. Although firewood is not as warm as coal, it can temporarily solve our urgent needs. Finally, I think we should unite and petition the street office to let them know our difficulties. Maybe they will send someone to help us."

As soon as the third uncle finished speaking, warm applause broke out in the yard. Everyone agreed and decided to take action immediately. So, some people were sent to the countryside to inquire about the news, some went up the mountain to chop firewood, and the rest stayed in the yard to prepare to petition the street office.

In the next few days, the people in the No. 95 Courtyard were busy. People who went to the countryside brought good news, saying that the neighboring village did have extra coal to sell to them, but the price was high. People who went up the mountain to chop wood also brought back a lot of firewood. Although it was hard work, seeing the pile of firewood in the yard filled everyone's hearts with hope.

The people who stayed in the yard began to draft a petition. They wrote down their demands and difficulties stroke by stroke, hoping that the subdistrict office could lend a hand. Finally, with everyone's joint efforts, the petition was delivered to Wang Bo, the director of the subdistrict office.

However, the subdistrict office did not respond immediately. The people in Courtyard No. 95 were not discouraged. They continued to wait and work hard. In the process, they learned to be more united and stronger.

As time went by, the snowstorm continued. But the people in Courtyard No. 95 were no longer afraid of the cold and difficulties. They believed that as long as everyone worked together, there would be no difficulties that could not be overcome.

Finally, on a sunny morning, the neighborhood office sent a rescue team. They brought enough coal and food to help the people of No. 95 Courtyard survive the cold winter. When the rescue team left, the people of No. 95 Courtyard stood in the yard and watched them go away. Their eyes were full of gratitude and respect.

Hearing Liu Yi say that he didn't need the coal, Yi Zhonghai, an old man, looked at Liu Yi with a hint of surprise in his eyes. He didn't expect Liu Yi to take the initiative to ask for no coal and invite He Yuzhu to his home for barbecue and drinking. Yi Zhonghai secretly praised Liu Yi's generosity and kindness.

Liu Yi and He Yuzhu came to Liu Yi's home. Liu Yi took out the barbecue utensils and ingredients and skillfully started a fire. He Yuzhu looked at Liu Yi's busy figure and felt warm in his heart. He knew that Liu Yi really regarded him as a friend.

The two of them were grilling meat and drinking wine, chatting happily. Liu Yi told his story and He Yuzhu listened with great interest. Their laughter echoed in the night sky, as if all the troubles had disappeared.

At this moment, there was a sudden knock on the door. Liu Yi opened the door and saw an old man named Yi Zhonghai standing at the door. Yi Zhonghai smiled and said, "I smelled the aroma of barbecue, so I came to see. You two boys, you are eating happily!" Liu Yi and He Yuzhu hurriedly invited Yi Zhonghai to come in and eat together. Yi Zhonghai waved his hand and said, "I have eaten, you guys eat. I just came to see you and tell you that if you have any difficulties in the future, just tell me. We are all neighbors and we should help each other." Liu Yi and He Yuzhu looked at Yi Zhonghai gratefully and nodded repeatedly. ...

He Yuzhu saw that the eldest uncle Yi Zhonghai insisted on leaving, so he asked Liu Yi to hold him back, and he went to call the second uncle Liu Haizhong and the third uncle Yan Bugui, and they all drank happily.

He Yuzhu trotted all the way and soon called over the second uncle Liu Haizhong and the third uncle Yan Bugui.

"Uncle, what are you doing? It would be great if we could have a drink and chat together!" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Yes, uncle, please don't leave." Liu Yi also advised.

"Okay, okay, then I won't leave." Yi Zhonghai said with a smile.

A few people sat down and started drinking and chatting. They talked about the past and recalled the good times.

"Thinking back to when we were young, we did a lot of ridiculous things!" Liu Haizhong said with a smile.

"Yes, we were all young and ignorant at that time. Yan Bugui said with a smile on his face: "Haha, that's right!" His eyes, which were not big to begin with, were narrowed into a slit at this moment, and the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes were clearly visible.

He Yuzhu, who was sitting nearby, took over the conversation and said with great emotion: "Indeed, but if you think about it carefully, although those days were hard, they were also really happy." After saying that, he picked up the wine glass and took a sip, then smacked his lips, as if he was still savoring those good times.

At this time, several other people also nodded in agreement, and everyone enjoyed the mellow taste of the wine while chatting happily. From the bits and pieces of the past to the trivialities of the present life, laughter and joy echoed throughout the room.

Before they knew it, several bottles of wine on the table had been emptied. Everyone drank a lot. The alcohol began to take effect, and their faces gradually became slightly red, as tempting as ripe apples. Their eyes also became a little blurry and dazed, as if they were immersed in memories and drunkenness and couldn't extricate themselves.

After a while, Yi Zhonghai looked at everyone and felt that it was almost time to end the banquet, so he slowly stood up and said, "Okay, gentlemen, let's stop drinking here today." Although his voice was not loud, it carried an unquestionable majesty.

Hearing this, He Yuzhu quickly responded: "Okay, uncle, you have the final say! We'll listen to you." As he said that, he stood up shakily, staggered and almost fell, fortunately someone next to him supported him in time.

Seeing this, the others also stood up unsteadily, supported each other, and walked towards the door with three steps. The scene looked quite funny, but also very heartwarming.