Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

Water is the key to their survival, and any unexpected occurrence may threaten their lives.

As night fell, he walked out of the yard alone and came to a dense forest outside the yard. It was not far from their courtyard, but relatively hidden. He walked carefully through the woods and found a naturally formed stream.

"It should be safer here," he said to himself, and began to dig a shallow pit beside the stream. He placed the water basket he had secretly brought from the yard in the pit, and then began to cover the water basket with leaves and soil to hide it underground.

He knew that this was a bit risky, but he didn't tell anyone. This was a backup water source he had left for his family in private, which could be used as a supplement in an emergency if the main water source had problems.

After finishing hiding the water basket, Li Xiangqian breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that doing so might cause misunderstanding and dissatisfaction from others, but he believed that only by making more preparations could he ensure that his family would have enough water supply at all times.

Back at the courtyard, he saw young people busy building facilities around the pool. He was sincerely pleased with their efforts and solidarity, but he also knew that the challenges they faced were far more than that.

"Young master, we plan to grow some vegetables next to the pool to save water." A young man walked up to Li Xiangqian and reported the latest progress to him.

Li nodded, admiring the creativity and hard-working spirit of these young people. "This is a good idea. We can gradually improve the self-sufficiency of the yard." He smiled and tried to boost the morale of the young people with positive words.

However, although he looked calm on the outside, he was still anxious deep inside. He knew that the fate of the family was in his hands, and any negligence or mistake could have disastrous consequences. The weight of this responsibility made him feel stressed and uneasy.

"Young Master, you look a little tired. Do you need to rest for a while?" Another young man came over with concern. He noticed that Li Xiangqian's expression was a little nervous.

Lee shook his head forward, forcing himself to put on a calm front. "No, I'm fine." He tried to force a smile, trying to hide the trouble in his heart.

However, he knew that he could not let himself fall into depression and anxiety. He had to stand in front of these young people and be their role model and leader. They needed a firm supporter, a guide who could lead them to overcome all difficulties.

In the days that followed, Li Xiangqian continued his double life. During the day, he was the backbone of the courtyard, working hard with the young people to pursue the revival and prosperity of the courtyard; at night, he secretly came to the woods to check and maintain the hidden backup water source.

Li Xiangqian paced back and forth in the yard, his anxiety growing. He knew that relying on his own strength and hidden backup water sources alone would not solve the problem. They needed more plans and strategies to ensure a stable supply of water, especially during drought seasons or other unexpected situations.

Suddenly, he remembered another person in his family who was good at planning and solving problems - He Yuzhu. He Yuzhu was his cousin, young and smart, with unique insights into the use of technology and resources. Li Xiangqian decided to consult with him to see if he could get some new ideas and suggestions from him.

He walked into the work shed in the yard and found He Yuzhu studying an old book. He Yuzhu was a quiet young man who always liked to think and study alone. He saw Li Xiangqian coming in, smiled slightly, and put down the book in his hand.

"Brother Li, is there anything wrong?" He Yuzhu asked, his voice revealing gentleness and understanding.

Li Xiangqian walked up to He Yuzhu and told him about the water source problem. He did not hide the fact that he secretly stored water, but honestly explained his concerns and worries to He Yuzhu.

"We now have a basic backup water source, but it is not enough," Li Xiangqian said. "I am worried that if the main water source has problems, we may not be able to solve the difficulties in our lives immediately."

He Yuzhu listened quietly and did not answer immediately. He pondered for a moment and then said, "Brother Li, I understand your concerns. We do need to develop a more comprehensive and long-term water resources management plan."

Li Xiangqian nodded, knowing that He Yuzhu would have a solution. "What suggestions do you have?" he asked, hoping to hear some practical solutions.

He Yuzhu thought for a while, then said: "I think we can consider using the groundwater resources in the valley. Although groundwater is not as direct as waterfall water, it is more stable and can be effectively managed and utilized by digging wells and pipeline systems."

Hearing He Yuzhu's suggestion, Li Xiangqian's brows relaxed. "That's a good idea," he said, "We can send someone to investigate and see if there are suitable groundwater resources in the valley."

"In addition, we can improve and optimize the existing pond system to increase water storage and irrigation efficiency," He Yuzhu added. "If necessary, we can build more ponds to spread the risk."

Li Xiangqian listened carefully and realized that He Yuzhu's ideas and his own additions were very reasonable. "Then let's get started now," he said encouragingly, "We need to act quickly to ensure that everyone in the yard has sufficient water in the days to come."

Li Xiangqian stood in a corner of the yard, looking up at the sky in the morning light. Although they had begun to consider and plan the use of groundwater resources, he was still full of confusion and challenges. He realized that this task was not as simple as he had initially imagined.

"Although these young people are enthusiastic, they still lack experience in such complex work," Li Xiangqian said to himself. He realized that in order to successfully utilize groundwater, it is not as simple as simply digging wells and installing pipelines. Many factors need to be considered, such as geological conditions, water quality issues, transportation and distribution, which are areas that their existing team is not good at.

He turned and walked towards the work shed, and found He Yuzhu sitting there in deep thought. He Yuzhu noticed Li Xiangqian's arrival, smiled slightly, and motioned him to sit down.

"Brother Li, you look a little hesitant." He Yuzhu said, he seemed to have noticed the confusion in Li Xiangqian's heart.