Siheyuan: Rebirth of Liu Ergou

In the sky, heavy snow was falling like goose feathers, dressing the whole world into a fairyland covered in silver. There were few pedestrians on the streets, and the occasional footsteps were particularly clear in the quiet night. The warm lights and the aroma of food shone through the windows of every household, indicating that preparations for the New Year's Eve dinner were underway.

No. 95, Nanluoguxiang, is an ancient courtyard that looks particularly cozy on this cold winter night. Liu Yi walked through the snow and came to the home of the second uncle Liu Haizhong. The fire was burning brightly in the house, and the second uncle was sitting on the kang, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand, with a leisurely look in his eyes.

"Uncle, I come to discuss something with you." Liu Yi said as he took off his coat and shook off the snowflakes on it.

"Oh? What's the matter? Why so urgent?" The second uncle put down his teacup, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

"I'm thinking, can our families celebrate the New Year together this year? Just at my house, invite Uncle Yi Zhonghai's family, He Yuzhu's family, and Jia Dongxu's family, and we can have a lively New Year's Eve dinner together." Liu Yi said with anticipation.

Hearing this, the second uncle frowned and the smile on his face instantly faded: "Yier, this is not a joke. Nowadays, every household has a problem with food and clothing, how can we be so extravagant and wasteful? No, no."

"Uncle, listen to me," Liu Yi explained hurriedly, "I know life is hard now, but we are busy all year round, and we just want to be together and have a lively time during the Chinese New Year. It's great for everyone to get together and help each other, isn't it?"

"Huh, that's easy for you to say. These days, every family is struggling. We still have to save money." The second uncle was obviously unmoved and maintained a firm attitude.

The two men argued back and forth, and the argument became more and more intense. Liu Yi tried to persuade the second uncle, but the second uncle insisted that it was too extravagant and inappropriate.

Just when the atmosphere was at a standstill, Liu Ying pushed the door open, holding a plate of freshly fried rice cakes, which smelled delicious. "Second uncle, Liu Yi, what are you doing? It's New Year's Day, stop arguing." Liu Ying said with a smile, and put the rice cakes on the table.

"Ying'er, you've come at the right time. Please persuade your Liu Yi. He insists on inviting a large group of people over for the New Year's Eve dinner. Isn't this nonsense?" Seeing this, the second uncle quickly asked Liu Ying for help.

Liu Yi was very worried when he saw Liu Ying, who had just given birth and was still in confinement after giving birth, coming over. "You are in confinement now, how can you run around? What if you catch a cold? Sickness during confinement is the most troublesome!"

Liu Ying smiled after hearing this, walked to Second Uncle Liu Haizhong, and said softly: "Second Uncle, I understand your concerns. But what time is it now? It's Chinese New Year! We Chinese people value reunion and excitement. You see, this yard is so deserted, how boring. If we get together and help each other, we can have a happy New Year, right? Look, I'm still in confinement, and I've come to ask you for my help. If you don't agree, it would be unreasonable, right?"

After hearing Liu Ying's sincere words, the second uncle was silent for a moment, finally sighed, and nodded reluctantly: "Okay, since you said so, then I reluctantly agree. But we have to make it clear that we can't be extravagant and wasteful, and we have to do what we can."

"Don't worry, Second Uncle, I know what I'm doing." Seeing this, Liu Yi was delighted and quickly agreed.

Thus, the preparations for the New Year's Eve dinner at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang officially kicked off. The courtyard of Liu Yi's house was bustling with activity. Auntie No. 1 and Auntie No. 2 were busy picking and washing vegetables. Their hands were red from the cold water, but their faces were filled with happy smiles. Uncle No. 1 Yi Zhonghai and Uncle No. 2 Liu Haizhong were sitting under the eaves, drinking hot tea and chatting about family matters, with occasional hearty laughs.

In the kitchen, He Yuzhu and Jia Dongxu were busy. He Yuzhu cooked with great skill, and one dish after another was delicious and tasty. Jia Dongxu helped by passing plates and serving bowls, and was very busy. Although the two were exhausted and sweating, they felt a sense of accomplishment.

Finally, when the table was filled with food, everyone was shocked. Braised fish, stewed pork, stir-fried vegetables, fried rice cakes... every dish exuded an enticing aroma, making people salivate. Everyone sat together, talking and laughing, eating and drinking, the atmosphere was warm and lively.

"Oh, this meal is so enjoyable!" Uncle Yi Zhonghai exclaimed while wiping the grease from the corner of his mouth.

"Yeah, it's been a long time since it was this lively." Second uncle Liu Haizhong also nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, brother Liu Yi, for giving us such a happy New Year." He Yuzhu said gratefully.

"As long as everyone is happy, we will have a better year together next year!" Liu Yi responded with a smile.

On this cold winter night, the laughter and joy from Liu Yi's yard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang could be heard far and wide.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, everyone gathered in the living room, around the old radio, listening to opera and news, with occasional laughter. The men ate peanuts and sunflower seeds, chatted, recalled the fun of the past, and looked forward to the hope of the new year. The women were busy washing the dishes, chatting about family matters while washing, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. . .

Liu Yi brought his twin sons and daughters to the compound. They ran around excitedly with firecrackers in their hands. Liu Yi lit a firecracker, and with a whoosh, the firecracker shot up into the sky, bursting into colorful sparks. The children screamed excitedly and clapped their hands. The compound was filled with laughter and joy.

Liu Yi looked at the smiles on the children's faces, and his heart was filled with happiness and satisfaction. He thought that perhaps the meaning of the Chinese New Year lies in this: the whole family is together, reunited, happily gathered together, and savored the beauty of life together. He secretly made up his mind that every year in the future, he would let his family spend such a warm and happy Spring Festival.

After setting off firecrackers in the courtyard, Liu Yi led the children back to the living room, where they continued to chat, listen to the radio, and enjoy this beautiful night. At the same time, the snowflakes outside the window seemed to be cheering for this warm scene. They lightly fell on the eaves and treetops, covering the whole world with a layer of white gauze.

"Dad, I want to sleep with my little brothers tonight, okay?"

Xiao Mian'ao's words awakened Liu Yi who was in a trance. He looked at his daughter and said with a smile, "Dan Dan, you are still young and can't take care of your little brother. What if they pee or fart?"

Liu Dan pouted. Frowning slightly, without saying a word, Liu Ying looked at the father and daughter, walked over cheerfully, picked up her daughter and said, "Little Dandan, mommy will let daddy be yours today, how about you sleep with daddy?"

"Really, Mom?" Liu Dan stared at her mother with her big, expressive eyes and asked. Seeing her mother nod, the little girl jumped into her father's arms.