Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

One morning, Li Xiangqian was patrolling the yard and found that there was very little water left in the bucket. He looked at the vegetables that needed water and was anxious. At this time, he suddenly thought of He Yuzhu next door. He Yuzhu had an old well at home and the well water was always sufficient.

"Maybe I can borrow some water from He Yuzhu." This thought flashed through his mind, and Li Xiangqian decided to take action. He changed into clean clothes, took a large bucket, and walked to He Yuzhu's house next door.

After knocking on the door, He Yuzhu was repairing farm tools in the yard. When he saw Li Xiangqian, he greeted him enthusiastically: "Hey, Brother Xiangqian, what can I do for you?"

"Brother He, I'm running out of water at home. Can you lend me some well water?" Li Xiangqian said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Of course! Come on, come with me to fetch water." He Yuzhu answered generously, and took Li Xiangqian to the well. He picked up the rope, put the bucket into the well, and soon he fetched a bucket of clear well water.

"Thank you, Brother He. This is really a great help." Li Xiangqian said gratefully.

"You're welcome. It's only natural for neighbors to help each other. The vegetables you planted are growing well. Don't let them wither due to lack of water." He Yuzhu said with a smile.

Li Xiangqian took the bucket and felt warm in his heart. He returned to his yard and carefully poured the well water into the bucket, then began to water the thirsty plants. Seeing the plants regain their vitality, his anxiety was relieved a lot.

In the following days, Li Xiangqian and He Yuzhu interacted more frequently. Not only did they help each other with water issues, they also often discussed planting techniques and experiences. He Yuzhu was an experienced planter, and many of his suggestions and guidance benefited Li Xiangqian a lot.

One weekend afternoon, Li Xiangqian was fertilizing in the yard when He Yuzhu came over and handed him a cup of tea. "Xiangqian, your vegetable garden looks great. Are you going to plant something for the winter?"

Li Xiangqian wiped the sweat from his forehead, took the teacup, and said with a smile: "I am considering planting some vegetables that can grow in winter, such as cabbage and radish. This way, even in winter, we can have fresh vegetables to eat."

He Yuzhu nodded: "Good idea. Planting these vegetables in winter can not only be eaten, but also stored, which is very convenient."

Li Xiangqian thought that these vegetables would not only provide food for the winter, but also save some expenses. With this in mind, he decided to go to the market to buy some seeds and fertilizers and start the winter planting plan as soon as possible.

The next morning, Li Xiangqian got up early, rode his bicycle, and rushed to the farmers' market. He picked some high-quality cabbage and radish seeds and bought some organic fertilizers. After returning to the courtyard, he immediately started to turn the soil, sow seeds, and apply fertilizers. Everything was in order.

During the planting process, Li Xiangqian constantly consulted He Yuzhu to learn more planting techniques. The two often discussed and exchanged experiences in the yard, and the courtyard was filled with laughter and joy of farm work.

"Xiang Qian, these radishes are grown very well. We will definitely have a good harvest in winter." He Yuzhu looked at Li Xiangqian's vegetable garden and said approvingly.

"Thank you, Brother He, for your guidance. Without you, I wouldn't be able to grow such good vegetables." Li Xiangqian replied gratefully.

As time went by, Li Xiangqian's vegetable garden gradually matured, and the cabbages and radishes thrived in the sun. He still got up early every morning to take care of these vegetables, watching them grow day by day, and his heart was filled with satisfaction and anticipation.

One winter morning, Li Xiangqian stood in the yard, breathing the fresh air and thinking about the upcoming harvest. He knew that these vegetables were not just food, but also the fruits of his hard work. Through his own efforts, he not only solved the difficulties in life, but also gained the support and friendship among neighbors.

"Xiang Qian, what are you busy with in the vegetable garden today?" He Yuzhu walked over and asked with a smile.

"Let's prepare to harvest some cabbage today. Let's have hotpot together in the evening." Li Xiangqian said with a smile.

"Okay, I'll bring some wine and we'll celebrate." He Yuzhu answered generously.

The winter sun shines through the window lattice and onto the brick floor of the courtyard, giving people a warm feeling. After finishing his morning work in the vegetable garden, Li Xiangqian decided to go back home and boil some hot water for his wife. His wife Liu Hui has been feeling a little weak since the beginning of winter, especially in the morning, when she always feels the chill.

"Hui'er, I'll go boil some hot water. You should wear more clothes and stay in the house." Li Xiangqian said to his wife who was sitting by the window sewing clothes.

Liu Hui raised her head and smiled slightly, "Okay, don't be too busy, come back early and have a rest."

Li Xiangqian nodded, feeling somewhat worried. Although the life in the courtyard made him feel fulfilled and satisfied, his wife's health was always a concern in his heart. He walked into the kitchen, lit the stove, and prepared to boil water. He thought to himself that he should take better care of Liu Hui and let her have a warm winter.

The water in the kettle soon heated up, and steam rose. Li Xiangqian looked at the boiling water, thinking silently about Liu Hui's health. He knew that he had to take care of not only the vegetable garden, but also his wife. With this in mind, he decided to prepare some nourishing soup for Liu Hui every day, hoping to improve her physical condition.

After boiling the water, Li Xiangqian poured the hot water into the thermos and walked back into the house with it. He put the thermos on the table, poured a cup of hot water and handed it to Liu Hui. "Come on, drink some hot water to warm yourself up."

Liu Hui took the hot water, looked at Li Xiangqian gratefully, took a sip, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face. "Thank you, Xiangqian. With you here, I'm not afraid of anything."

Li Xiangqian felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He held Liu Hui's hand and felt the coldness of her palm. He became more determined to take good care of her. "Hui'er, I'll go to the market to buy some nourishing ingredients and make you some chicken soup to replenish your body."

"Don't be too tired, I'm fine." Liu Hui said gently.

"Don't worry, I'm not tired." Li Xiangqian said with a smile.

At noon, Li Xiangqian rode his bicycle to the market. He picked a fresh chicken and bought some nourishing Chinese medicinal herbs such as Codonopsis pilosula and wolfberry. He thought to himself that he must make a pot of the best chicken soup for Liu Hui so that her body would recover quickly.

After returning home, Li Xiangqian immediately prepared chicken soup. He washed the chicken, cut it into pieces, put it into the casserole, and added codonopsis, wolfberry and some ginger slices. He carefully adjusted the heat and let the chicken soup simmer slowly, and the rich aroma gradually filled the whole kitchen.

Liu Hui sat by the fire and smelled the aroma of chicken soup. She couldn't help but smile and said, "Xiang Qian, your cooking skills are getting better and better. It makes me hungry just by smelling it."