Siheyuan: Rebirth of Liu Ergou

In that era shrouded in harsh climate, food was as precious as gold. Farmland in countries around the world suffered an unprecedented blow, and agricultural production dropped sharply, leading to large-scale famine and frequent deaths. However, in this ancient and tenacious land, people still adhered to the bottom line of survival. Although everyone's food quota was constantly reduced, the country still did its best to ensure that no one would lose their lives due to hunger.

Liu Yi, a young man who was once known for his generosity, has now become cautious. He knows that in this era when food is more expensive than gold, he can no longer distribute food to his neighbors as casually as before. However, his heart is still full of love for this land and its people, and he always quietly helps those in need within his ability.

On this day, Liu Yi was free and decided to make dumplings. He carefully selected the few pounds of flour and a small piece of pork left in his home, carefully mixed the stuffing, and made plump and tempting dumplings. When the dumplings rolled in the pot and exuded an enticing aroma, Liu Yi felt a warm feeling in his heart. He knew that this was not just a simple meal, but also a yearning and expectation for a better life.

He invited several uncles and aunts from Nanluoguxiang to his home to share this rare dumpling feast. Uncle Yi Zhonghai and aunt Yang Yuhua, uncle Liu Haizhong and aunt Zhang Min, uncle Yan Bugui and aunt Xu Xin all gladly accepted the invitation. They sat in the courtyard of Liu Yi's home, savoring this rare delicacy, with satisfied and happy smiles on their faces.

However, while enjoying the food, the deaf old lady was worried. She knew Liu Yi's kindness and generosity, but she also understood that in this special era, too much exposure would only bring unnecessary trouble. So she repeatedly warned Liu Yi to keep this secret and not let too many people know that he was still able to get food. Liu Yi nodded silently, his heart full of gratitude and admiration for the deaf old lady.

As the aroma of dumplings filled the air, the courtyard in Nanluoguxiang was filled with laughter.

After eating the dumplings, Liu Yi poured tea for the three uncles and said, "Let the three uncles and aunts eat at my place in the future, and stop cooking. The surplus food can be given to those who need it more." The three uncles were moved to tears. They didn't expect that Liu Yi was not only good at cooking, but also kind-hearted.

From then on, the three uncles and aunts would come to Liu Yi's house for dinner every day. Liu Yi would also cook various delicacies for them in different ways to make them feel the warmth of home. And the three uncles and aunts would also help Liu Yi do some things within their ability, such as cleaning, washing dishes, etc. The relationship between them became more and more harmonious, just like a family.

Liu Yi found the second uncle Liu Haizhong, the third uncle Yan Bugui and the first uncle Yi Zhonghai and suggested making some pole heads, which would be convenient for storage and avoid troubles by making fire. After listening to Liu Yi's proposal, the uncles all thought it was a good idea.

Liu Haizhong said, "Gangzitou is good. It can be stored for a long time and is easy to eat." Yan Bugui agreed, "Yes, and it is not complicated to make. If a few old guys work together, we can make it quickly." Yi Zhonghai also nodded in agreement, "That's it, we'll start making Gangzitou tomorrow."

The next day, several uncles came to Liu Yi's house early and started making the pole heads. They divided the work and cooperated with each other. Some kneaded the dough, some kneaded the dough, and some rolled the dough. They were very busy. Liu Yi helped by handing water and tools to the uncles.

After several hours of hard work, the pole heads were finally made. Liu Yi looked at the table full of pole heads and felt a sense of accomplishment. He said to the uncles with gratitude: "Thank you for your help. If it weren't for you, I couldn't make so many pole heads by myself." The uncles smiled and said: "Why thank you? We are all neighbors. It's only natural for us to help each other."

Liu Yi suddenly realized what the second uncle Liu Haizhong said. He quickly made a lot of steamed buns and steamed them in a pot. After the buns came out of the pot, they were steaming hot and fragrant. Liu Yi brought the buns to the old lady, and when the old lady saw the buns, a smile appeared on her face.

She slowly reached out her hand and gently picked up a plump white steamed bun on the table. The bun exuded a faint wheat aroma and was still warm from the pot. She brought the bun to her mouth and gently took a small bite. Instantly, the soft texture and sweet taste of the bun spread in her mouth, intoxicating her.

"Well, these steamed buns are really delicious! They are soft and fluffy, and taste great!" The old lady praised Liu Yi beside her with a smile while chewing the delicious food in her mouth. Then, she swallowed the food in her mouth and continued, "My child, you are such a sensible and thoughtful child! These steamed buns are much more delicious than those sticky buns. I am very satisfied with them, and there is no problem at all!"

Hearing the old lady's praise, Liu Yi's heart was filled with sweetness as if a jar of honey had been poured into it. He knew that all his efforts were worth it to make the old lady so happy and satisfied. From this moment on, Liu Yi secretly made up his mind to make delicious steamed buns for the old lady often in the future.

As time went by, Liu Yi kept his promise and made fresh and delicious steamed buns for the old lady every now and then. The old lady also loved the steamed buns made by Liu Yi and ate them with relish every time.

However, one day, when the deaf old lady saw at least several hundred steaming buns, she suddenly frowned slightly and asked with a worried look on her face: "Xiao Yi, although these buns are delicious, how can we store so many of them at once so that they won't go bad?"

Liu Yi smiled and consoled her: "Grandma, don't worry! Your grandson has his own way to preserve them. You just need to take a good rest now!" After that, Liu Yi helped the old lady stand up and walked towards the fireplace. After the old lady sat down, Liu Yi looked around and made sure that no one noticed this place. He quickly took action and put all the steamed buns into a mysterious storage space in the blink of an eye. This space has a unique preservation function, which can ensure that the steamed buns remain fresh for a long time. After doing all this, Liu Yi clapped his hands and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.