Siheyuan: Five mouths waiting for food at the beginning

Time flies, and it is the Chinese New Year of 91. My third uncle's family had a new baby the previous month. Da Niu's wife gave birth to a big fat boy. The full moon banquet happened to be on the first day of the Chinese New Year, so it was not held.

We had dinner at Shanhu's house as usual on New Year's Eve, but my second uncle and An Huan hadn't come back either.

On the first day of the new year, everyone came to Uncle San's house again to celebrate the full moon of his great-grandson. Uncle San smiled all the time.

Zhao Shanhai joked, "Uncle San, you've lost a lot. The full moon banquet didn't take place, and you haven't even received the money for the gift."

The third uncle smiled and said, "Shanhai, it doesn't matter whether it's a loss or not. I've already seen my great-grandson, so I'm satisfied."

Zhao Shandong said, "Shanhai, it's not a loss. Even if we hold a full-month banquet, Sijiu City is just these people at home. Didn't you all give red envelopes?"

"Third brother, although the red envelope was given, it is also considered as New Year's money. Didn't you return it to the children? Besides, my eldest brother and second brother have three children, and you only have one. You are still at a loss."

"Hahaha," Third Uncle kept laughing, "Shanhai, you, just take the loss. The fact that you're happy with the loss shows that our Zhao family is thriving."

Shanhai continued to joke, "Isn't it? Third uncle, I think you need to move to a bigger house, otherwise if you have a few more great-grandchildren, there will be no place to live."

"This is not something I worry about. I have already found a wife for my son. Buying a house is the job of the younger generation."

"Besides, the houses allocated to them by the company are all empty, so there are plenty of places to live."

Everyone was joking and drinking. Third Uncle was unusually happy today and got himself drunk. Zhao Shanhe had never seen Third Uncle drunk before, but he did today. Third Uncle was quite obedient when drunk and fell asleep right away. However, his snoring was so loud that it could be heard from several rooms away.

In the end, Zhao Shanhe was also drunk by several brothers from Shandong. He was sent back by others and fell asleep as soon as he came back.

On the second day of the Chinese New Year, Zhao Shanhe took Qin Jingru and the rest of the family to his father-in-law's house. His father-in-law is old, over 70 years old, and they see him less and less.

After the Chinese New Year, time goes by faster, especially the day-to-day life.

At the beginning of May, Zhao Shanhu and Zhao Shanhai came over. After the three of them sat down and Xiao Guo poured tea, Zhao Shanhe said, "Second brother, third brother, why did you come here suddenly? Even if the old Russians disintegrate, it won't affect the company, right?"

Zhao Shanhai said, "Brother, no more jokes, we came here to discuss with you whether we can hold Mom's 60th birthday party or not?"

After hearing what Shanhai said, Zhao Shanhe remembered that Aunt Chen was twelve years older than him. He was born in 1943 and Aunt Chen was born in 1931. Aunt Chen's birthday was the fourth day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar.

People of the older generation often say that people born on the fourth day of the lunar month have bad luck, because the fourth day of the lunar month means extremely miserable life. Aunt Chen had a rough first half of her life, and she has been worrying about her children in the second half of her life.

Zhao Shanhe looked at his cell phone. He had replaced it several times over the years and could now tell the year, month and day. April 4th was May 10th, and today was already the 2nd, so there were still a few days left.

Zhao Shanhe said, "It's only seven or eight days away. We have to have a big celebration. We have three sons, two daughters, and so many grandchildren. It would be unreasonable if we don't even have a 60th birthday celebration."

Zhao Shanhai said, "My second brother and I have the same idea. I want to discuss with you, eldest brother, whether to hold it at home or in a hotel? Do you want to invite guests?"

Zhao Shanhe asked back, "What do you mean?"

Zhao Shanhu said, "I mean we should hold it at home. Aunt Chen doesn't like crowds, so we children and grandchildren can just get together. The third brother wants to invite guests, what do you think, eldest brother?"

"Second brother, this is your 60th birthday, so we have to invite guests for a big celebration. Otherwise, what's the difference from just eating and drinking at home in previous years? Don't you think so, big brother?"

Zhao Shanhe couldn't decide for a moment. "You all have a point. Aunt Chen's personality is indeed suitable for her family. But what the third brother said also makes sense. Sixty years old is different from usual. I also agree with a grand ceremony."

Zhao Shanhai said proudly, "Second brother, I'll tell you, eldest brother will definitely agree with my idea."

"Brother, then you set the rules. What should we do? Invite those people."

Who knew that Zhao Shanhe said, "Shanhai, we won't invite any guests. We have held many banquets in the Zhao family in the past two years. Let our family come to celebrate the birthday.

Zhao Shanhai immediately said, "Brother, there are so many happy events, we can't not invite people, otherwise what's the point of having a big celebration?"

Zhao Shanhe smiled and gave each of his two brothers a cigarette. "Third brother, listen to me first. What I mean is that instead of inviting guests, how about we invite a theatre troupe and a gong and drum dance team? And also a drama troupe singing and dancing performance, wouldn't it be just as lively? It wouldn't bother others."

"When the time comes, let's vacate the floor of the hotel that is used for entertaining guests. It will be lively with just our family. It will not only suit Aunt Chen's personality, but also not cause any trouble to others. How do you think?"

The second brother, Zhao Shanhu, said, "This is a good idea. I agree. I have the same idea as my eldest brother. We have held too many banquets in the past two years. If we can avoid troubling others, we should not bother them. We should invite a troupe to have some fun with our family."

The third brother slapped his thigh and said, "Why didn't I think of this? It seems that it was right to find the eldest brother."

"Then Third Brother, I'll leave it to you to find a troupe or drama group. Is that ok?"

Zhao Shanhai patted his chest and assured, "Brother, no problem, I promise to make it lively."

Zhao Shanhe continued, "I have another idea. We have so many college students in our family, so we shouldn't waste them. Let them plan things carefully. After all, each child was raised by Aunt Chen. Let them do it. Maybe they can come up with more innovative ideas than the three of us."

Zhao Shanhu nodded. "That's right. We are almost adults now. We can take on responsibilities at their age. Aunt Chen brought them up, so they must get involved."

Zhao Shanhe called An Tong and said, "Come back quickly. I need to talk to you."

Zhao Antong was on his way. When he came back, he saw his two uncles were there. All three of them were smoking. He was shocked and asked, "Dad, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, what happened?"

Zhao Shanhe said, "An Tong has given you a task. You are the eldest of the next generation. Your grandmother's 60th birthday is coming soon. Gather all your brothers. You were all raised by your grandmother when you were young. Plan your grandmother's 60th birthday well. Is that ok?"

"Dad, what's your request?"

"We won't invite any guests, just our own family. Your uncle and I want to invite opera troupes and drama groups to liven things up. The specific arrangements are up to you. You're their eldest brother, so you organize it."

"Oh, by the way, call that bastard back. Grandma raised him. If he doesn't come to celebrate your birthday, don't come back in the future. Don't blame me for not recognizing him as my son."