Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

Qin Huairu in the courtyard is a gentle woman, but her life is also full of hardships. She has three children, among whom her eldest son Banggeng is the one she cares about the most. However, the family's financial situation makes her feel stressed. Qin Huairu's husband died early, and she took on the burden of the whole family alone. In order to let her children live a good life, she had to do all kinds of work, but she was still stretched.

Banggeng is a smart kid who is at the top of his class, but he is also a little naughty and often gets into trouble. Qin Huairu has high hopes for Banggeng, hoping that he can change his fate through studying and live a much better life than she does. However, Qin Huairu feels overwhelmed by Banggeng's tuition, living expenses and other expenses. She begins to consider whether to let Banggeng drop out of school and start working early to reduce the burden on the family.

One summer evening, He Yuzhu returned to the courtyard after get off work and saw Qin Huairu busy in the yard. He knew that Qin Huairu was not in a good state recently, so he walked over and asked with concern: "Huairu, you look very tired recently, have you encountered any difficulties?"

Qin Huairu sighed, forced a smile, and said, "Brother Yuzhu, it's nothing, it's just that the family expenses are a bit high recently, and Banggeng's tuition makes me a little worried."

He Yuzhu frowned, knowing that Qin Huairu had something to hide. He did not ask further, but thought for a moment and said, "Huairu, if there is anything you need help with, just tell me. We are all neighbors, and I will definitely help if I can."

Qin Huairu nodded gratefully, but the distress in her heart did not ease. That night, she tossed and turned in bed, with a lot of thoughts in her mind. Finally, she made a difficult decision.

The next morning, Qin Huairu called Banggeng to her side, gently stroked his hair, and slowly said: "Banggeng, Mom knows that you like going to school and that you are a good student. But the situation at home is very difficult now, and Mom really has no other choice. Can you not go to school for the time being and help Mom share some of the burden at home?"

After hearing what his mother said, Banggeng's eyes flashed with reluctance and grievance, but he nodded sensibly and said, "Mom, I'll listen to you. You've worked hard, and I should help you."

Qin Huairu was relieved and sad when she heard Banggeng's words. She hugged Banggeng and tears flowed unconsciously. She knew that this decision was too cruel for Banggeng, but the pressure of reality left her with no choice.

He Yuzhu felt very upset when he learned that Qin Huairu had made Banggeng drop out of school. He had always treated Banggeng as his own child, and he felt very sad to see this smart child had to give up his studies because of his family's financial situation.

He decided to talk to Qin Huairu and see if there was any way he could help her. One night, He Yuzhu knocked on Qin Huairu's door and said sincerely, "Huairu, I heard that you let Banggeng drop out of school. This child is so smart, he shouldn't give up his studies just because of financial difficulties. I have an idea, maybe we can work together to find a way to let Banggeng continue to go to school."

Qin Huairu looked at He Yuzhu with tears in her eyes. She knew that He Yuzhu really wanted to help her, but she didn't want to cause trouble for others. She shook her head and choked up and said, "Brother Yuzhu, I know you are kind, but I really don't want to trouble you anymore. You have helped us a lot, and I can't go on like this."

He Yuzhu sighed and said firmly: "Huai Ru, we are neighbors and friends. This is not a problem. Bang Geng is such a good child, his future should not be hindered by the current difficulties. Let's work together, I believe we can find a solution."

Qin Huairu heard what He Yuzhu said, and a glimmer of hope ignited in her heart. She wiped her tears, nodded, and said, "Okay, Brother Yuzhu, let's work hard together."

From that day on, He Yuzhu and Qin Huairu started to work hard for Banggeng's studies. They went to the factory leaders to see if they could apply for some subsidies; they went to the community leaders to see if they could get some help; they even went to Banggeng's teacher to learn about his academic situation, hoping that the teacher would take more care of Banggeng's studies.

After some efforts, He Yuzhu and Qin Huairu finally got some financial aid for Banggeng, enough for him to continue his studies. Banggeng returned to school with a happy smile on his face. He knew that all this was due to the efforts of He Yuzhu and his mother, and he secretly made up his mind to study hard and live up to their expectations.

Qin Huairu watched Banggeng go to school happily, and her heart was filled with gratitude and relief. She knew that the road ahead was still long and there were still many difficulties to face, but as long as she had good neighbors and friends like He Yuzhu, she believed that everything would be fine.

He Yuzhu sat in Qin Huairu's home, looking at the simple house, his heart full of mixed emotions. He knew how difficult this decision was for Qin Huairu, but he also knew that Banggeng's future could not be ruined. He sorted out his thoughts and said, "Huairu, I understand your difficulties and your choice. But Banggeng is so smart and has so much potential. His future should be brighter, instead of giving up his studies because of the current difficulties."

Qin Huairu lowered her head, her fingers tightly entwined. She was full of contradictions and helplessness: "Brother Yuzhu, I know you are right, but the current situation really makes it difficult for me to make a decision. The money at home is not enough, and I really can't see any other way."

He Yuzhu felt Qin Huairu's helplessness. He took a deep breath and continued, "Huairu, I think you know how much impact giving up school will have on Banggeng. He is so smart, he will definitely have a bright future. Although it is difficult now, we can't let him give up his future because of these temporary difficulties. You see, we can find a way to make more money, or find other ways to solve the problem at hand."

Qin Huairu was silent for a moment, tears welling up in her eyes. She slowly raised her head and looked at He Yuzhu: "But, Brother Yuzhu, I really don't know what else to do. I have thought about the methods you mentioned, but every time I tried, I failed. As a woman, I really don't know what else to do."

He Yuzhu held Qin Huairu's hand and said sincerely, "Huairu, you are not alone in facing these problems. I will always be here to help you find a solution. If we work together, we will definitely find a way out. Banggeng cannot drop out of school. This is our common goal."