Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

That night, He Yuzhu lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. The moonlight from the window poured into the room, and the soft light outlined mottled shadows on the floor. He Yuzhu looked at the ceiling, his heart filled with endless thoughts.

"What did I do wrong? Why did Lou Xiao'e leave me like this?" He Yuzhu kept asking himself in his heart, but he could not find the answer. He knew that the rumors in the courtyard had affected Lou Xiao'e, but he did not expect it to be so serious.

The next morning, He Yuzhu decided to go to Yi Zhonghai, the most prestigious old man in the courtyard, maybe he could give him some advice. Yi Zhonghai lived in the west wing of the courtyard, and was a respected man. He could always give wise advice on the big and small things in the courtyard.

"Yuzhui, why are you here so early in the morning?" Yi Zhonghai asked with a smile when he saw He Yuzhui.

He Yuzhu's face was solemn. "Uncle Yi, I have something I want to talk to you about. Can you help me judge?"

Yi Zhonghai nodded and said, "Come in and sit down. Let's talk slowly."

He Yuzhu walked into the house, sat on a chair, and said with a heavy heart: "Uncle Yi, you also know something about Lou Xiao'e and me. Recently, some bad rumors have been spread in the yard. Lou Xiao'e couldn't stand those rumors and decided to separate from me for a while. I don't know what to do, and I don't know how to make her feel at ease."

After listening to this, Yi Zhonghai was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Yuzhu, emotional matters are indeed very complicated. I have seen the relationship between you and Lou Xiao'e. She is a good girl and is sincere to you. However, the rumors outside do have a great impact on her."

He Yuzhu nodded, "Yes, Uncle Yi. I know those rumors are false, but Lou Xiao'e is hurt. What should I do to make her believe me and put her at ease?"

Yi Zhonghai thought for a while and said, "Yuzhu, sometimes, explanations alone are not enough. You need to prove your intentions with actions. Let Lou Xiao'e see your sincerity and let her know that you are trustworthy. Also, the interpersonal relationships in the courtyard are complicated. You need to find those who spread the rumors, clarify the facts, and eliminate misunderstandings."

He Yuzhu nodded, "Uncle Yi, you are right. I will try my best to prove my intentions with my actions, and I will also find those who spread rumors and clarify the facts."

Yi Zhonghai patted He Yuzhu on the shoulder and encouraged him: "Yuzhu, you are a good boy, I believe you can do it. Don't be discouraged, there will always be twists and turns on the road of love, but as long as you treat each other sincerely, there will be good results in the end."

He Yuzhu was grateful in his heart and nodded solemnly, "Thank you, Uncle Yi, I will try my best."

After leaving Yi Zhonghai's house, He Yuzhu calmed down a little. He decided to prove his sincerity with practical actions from now on. He knew that only in this way could Lou Xiaoe trust him again.

In the following days, He Yuzhu worked even harder. He prepared every meal carefully, and put his heart into every dish. The people in the courtyard also saw his efforts and gave him praise.

One evening, He Yuzhu was busy in the kitchen when he heard a commotion outside. He put down his work and walked into the yard, where he saw Xu Damao arguing with several people.

"Xu Damao, stop spreading those rumors! You will only hurt others and yourself by doing this!" said a middle-aged woman angrily.

Xu Damao smiled disdainfully, "I just stated some facts. Whether you believe it or not is up to you."

He Yuzhu was furious when he heard these words and walked forward, "Xu Damao, why did you spread those rumors? Do you know how much harm you will bring to others by doing this?"

When Xu Damao saw He Yuzhu, his face changed slightly, but he still said with a stiff upper lip: "I just said what I heard, I didn't expect things to turn out like this."

He Yuzhu looked at Xu Damao coldly, "Xu Damao, I hope you can understand that your words not only hurt me, but also hurt Lou Xiaoe. If you still have a conscience, you should stand up and clarify the facts."

Xu Damao lowered his head, seeming a little ashamed, but soon returned to his original appearance, "Okay, I admit that some of my words were indeed exaggerated, but I didn't mean it."

He Yuzhu said nothing more and turned away. He knew that it would be difficult to completely eliminate these rumors by his own strength, but he would not give up. He wanted to prove his sincerity with practical actions.

In the next few days, He Yuzhu worked even harder, not only busy in the kitchen, but also took the initiative to help other people in the courtyard, winning everyone's favor and respect. Whenever someone mentioned the matter between him and Lou Xiao'e, he would patiently explain and clarify the facts.

One night, He Yuzhu was busy in the kitchen when he heard a soft knock on the door. He walked over and opened the door, and saw Lou Xiao'e standing at the door with a complicated expression on her face.

"Brother Yuzhu, I have something to tell you." Lou Xiao'e said in a low voice, with a hint of uneasiness and anticipation in her voice.

He Yuzhu nodded, "Come in, Xiao'e."

The two sat at the kitchen table, and the air was filled with a hint of tension. Lou Xiao'e looked at He Yuzhu, tears flashing in her eyes, "Brother Yuzhu, I know you have been trying to clarify those rumors these days, and I have seen your sincerity. However, I still feel a little uneasy, and I don't know how to face these things."

He Yuzhu took a deep breath and said gently: "Xiao'e, I know these rumors have caused you a lot of harm. But I hope you can believe me and believe in our feelings. I will use my actions to prove my sincerity and will not let you suffer any more harm."

Lou Xiao'e lowered her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, "Brother Yuzhu, I really want to believe you, but these rumors make me very painful, and I don't know what to do."

He Yuzhu reached out and gently held Lou Xiao'e's hand, and said firmly: "Xiao'e, I will always be by your side. No matter what difficulties you encounter, I will face them with you. Please give me another chance to prove my sincerity."

Lou Xiao'e raised her head and looked at He Yuzhu's determined eyes, and her heart was warmed. She knew that He Yuzhu was sincere, but the scars in her heart needed time to heal.

"Brother Yuzhu, I will give us another chance. I hope we can overcome these difficulties together." Lou Xiao'e finally smiled, with hope in her tears.

He Yuzhu was excited and held Lou Xiao'e's hand tightly. "Thank you, Xiao'e. I will never let you down."