Siheyuan: I am reborn as a good person He Yuzhu

Chapter 299 The title gradually turns to history

He Yuzhu nodded slightly; he had heard of the so-called "popularity", but he didn't fully understand it, so he couldn't help but ask: "Master, can popularity prevent pests?"

The bricklayer chuckled. "It has something to do with it, but not all of it. Popularity is actually the smell of human activities. A house where people often live has an active smell, which does reduce the risk of pests. But what's more important is to repair it in time and keep it dry and ventilated."

After listening to the bricklayer's words, He Yuzhu was convinced.

At this time, He Yuzhu's father He Daqing walked closer and frowned at the busy workers: "Zhuzi, wasn't this tile replaced two years ago? Why are you changing it again now?" He Daqing said with a little displeasure.

He Yuzhu smiled, a little embarrassed: "Dad, I got it mixed up."

He Da cleared the dissatisfied look in the corners of his eyes and eyebrows: "Why are you so rough? Can't you be more careful?"

He Yuzhu rubbed his nose and laughed. He knew that his father was afraid that he would spend money inappropriately, and he thought to himself: It is indeed necessary to replace these old tiles.

The bricklayer who heard their conversation laughed a few times and said, "You are right, brother, but it is good for young people to have their own ideas. Although the old house looks shabby, it does need careful care. The money should still be invested."

Hearing this, He Daqing was speechless. After all, the experienced master said it was necessary, so he just changed it.

The process of replacing the tiles went very smoothly, and even the neighbors were mobilized to help. To express his gratitude, He Yuzhu prepared red envelopes for everyone, giving each household 5000 yuan. Although it was not a huge sum of money, it was his sincere intention.

However, Uncle Qian disagreed: "Zhu Zi, you are too polite. We are all from the same village and we are all helping each other."

Although he smiled awkwardly to make fun of himself, He Yuzhu replied: "I just moved here, it's really not easy for everyone to help voluntarily..."

Grandpa Gan patted him on the shoulder to show his understanding: "That's great."

He was extremely grateful to these simple and kind people. At the same time, he insisted that it was the right thing to do - not only because it required labor, but also because it was a show of gratitude.

He Yuzhu initially planned to find a few young people to help transport building materials, but what actually came were a group of enthusiastic middle-aged women, which made him a little worried whether these women could endure the hardship and labor.

Fortunately, the master bricklayer saw through his doubts and comforted him: "Don't worry, young man. These ladies are all excellent craftsmen."

After hearing this, he felt relieved, agreed with the professional's opinion, and continued to work without saying anything more.

The subsequent work went very smoothly. The aunts and sisters-in-law were indeed experts. They moved the materials neatly and worked together with the bricklayers. He Yuzhu stood aside and watched all this, feeling extremely relieved.

On this day, He Yuzhu deeply felt the enthusiasm and heroism of the old Beijingers. He realized that he had found a sense of belonging here. More importantly, he understood that there are some things that do not require comprehensive understanding, but the key is to respect professionals and be grateful for the help provided by others. Only in this way can he better integrate into this warm big family.

When the morning light filled the courtyard, the aunt was already in the yard directing the workers to change the tiles. Her eyes were sharp, scanning each worker like a radar, making sure they were reliable and had no bad habits. In her eyes, although changing tiles was a physical job, it still had to follow the old rules, especially stipulating that women could not participate, which was a tradition passed down by the ancestors.

"Mr. He's Zhu, how come you have time to come and visit us today?" The aunt said with a teasing smile.

He Yuzhu scratched his head awkwardly, "Auntie, I just want to learn a little. I heard that changing tiles is quite particular."

"There are so many rules, what do you, a little kid, know?" an aunt joked, making everyone around laugh. But He Yuzhu was not angry, he knew that although these women were blunt, they were actually kind-hearted, joking but caring. "Yes, yes, yes, I heard it all, don't laugh at me." He Yuzhu smiled.

If his brother He Daqing was here, he would have argued with the aunts. He Daqing was stubborn and unwilling to give in easily. But as a junior, the young He Yuzhu just accepted the ridicule as a joke and didn't care too much.

The tiler started to work, explaining the reason why women were not allowed to participate while laying the tiles. It is said that in ancient times, nobles would ask a Feng Shui master to choose an auspicious day to replace the tiles, and set up an incense table to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth to pray for peace and good fortune. Even though ordinary people are not as particular as nobles, they still abide by some traditional rules, such as not allowing women to go up to the house and not leaving too many old tiles in the house.

He Yuzhu listened attentively. He noticed that the women consciously followed the rules and were even very careful when passing by the tiles. He couldn't help but wonder why the women were so self-conscious.

The master and his apprentice seemed to see through his doubts, smiled and explained: "In fact, it is a rule passed down by the older generation, just like we must use chopsticks to eat. Few people can explain why, but everyone thinks it is the right way to do it."

He Yuzhu deeply felt the truth behind this. Then he raised a new question: "Why do we need to keep so many new tiles in the house?"

The apprentice was at a loss when faced with this question, so the master tiler had to stop his work and answer seriously: "This involves a deeper level of traditional considerations. New tiles symbolize a new beginning and hope, and can ward off evil spirits and protect the family. As for the specific number and method of placement, there are strict regulations as well, and they cannot be placed randomly."

He Yuzhu benefited a lot from such conversations, which further deepened his understanding of traditional customs and the cultural connotations of old Beijingers.

 He Yuzhu was deeply touched, as if he had opened a window to a new world. He decided to strengthen his study of traditional Chinese culture, as only in this way could he deeply understand the profound connotations of these traditional customs.

As time went by, the morning work was also carried out intensively and orderly, and the task of replacing the tiles on the eaves was progressing smoothly. Before noon, the two rooms had been completely renewed. Under the bright sunshine, the brand new tiles sparkled with dazzling light.

The busy aunts and aunties packed up their tools and prepared to return to their respective homes for lunch. Although the host family warmly invited them to have a meal, they politely declined. After all, in that era, living conditions were not abundant. Women not only had to take care of household chores, but also had to take care of children and farm work in the fields. Therefore, they had already formed a set of living rules to adapt to the environment.

The host family was very grateful for the workers' efforts and would usually provide them with a hearty meal or supplies as compensation. But today, the aunties insisted on going back to cook for themselves, so the host family had no choice but to give in.

 Mentality and the changing times

Looking at the backs of those hardworking and simple aunties going away, He Yuzhu couldn't help but feel emotional. Recalling his previous treatment of temporary workers, although he tried his best to pay them enough, he never really put himself in their shoes and felt their situation and emotions. Therefore, he decided to care more about the people around him from now on, listen to their needs and wishes, so as to better promote cooperation and communication between them.

The Siheyuan was bustling at noon. As the spring breeze of reform swept through this ancient neighborhood, the gradual improvement of living standards reduced people's material pressure, and careful budgeting in life was no longer a daily issue. The old man sat on a stone bench and recalled the past, while Yi Zhonghai (or Lao Yi, as everyone called him) curled his lips slightly:

"How can this be the way it is now? Who is so particular nowadays?"

The second uncle had a different view: "You can't say that. Our Chinese customs are indeed flexible: when you are rich, it is natural to invite guests to dinner; but if you are not well-off, even hot soup or hot water can show your thoughtfulness."

He Yuzhu on the side also joined the conversation, and put out a few freshly baked side dishes on a plate and invited everyone to come into the room to sit down and chat.

"Everyone is here? The meal is almost ready, come and eat." He Yuzhu said with a smile. He is well-known among the neighbors, with a wealthy family background and generous personality. In order to renovate the roof this time, he specially invited several professional masters to assist in the construction.

"You're really spending a lot of money, hiring a craftsman to do the tile-laying!" said an old man jokingly. "What can I say? The craftsman has to be good, and the material has to be good. The money has to be well spent," Lao He responded cheerfully.

Several hardworking craftsmen also came in and brought their own specialties - such as wine, cigarettes, candy, etc., to express their enthusiastic return to their employers.

Through this gathering and chat, the atmosphere among neighbors has become more harmonious and warm. Everyone's heart is filled with nostalgia for the past, while also looking forward to a better tomorrow.

"How can this be possible? It really can't be possible." Yi Zhonghai waved his hands and said, "We are already very grateful for your help. How can we let you spend more money?"

He Yuzhu didn't care. "Master Yi, you don't have to be so polite. These craftsmen have superb skills. We can't even invite them. This small gift is just a token of our gratitude."

The atmosphere was lively as everyone toasted each other. After three rounds of drinking, the topic gradually turned to history.

"Do you know? When I was a child, my grandfather told me that our place was once an anti-Japanese base." The old man said proudly.

"Oh, really?" The second uncle came over with interest.

He Yuzhu also interjected curiously, "What's the story? Can you tell us?"

The old man slapped his thigh and said, "That's too many! My grandfather said that once the Japanese invaders came to raid the village, and the villagers all hid in the mountains. The Japanese invaders set fire to the village when they couldn't see anyone. Later, the Eighth Route Army came to help rebuild the village and defeated the Japanese invaders many times."

Everyone listened attentively, as if they were back in that war-torn era.

After the banquet, He Yuzhu saw the bricklayers off and continued chatting with the two old men.

"Old He, your roof renovation is really nice. It must have cost a lot of money, right?" asked the second uncle.

He Yuzhu shook his head. "It's not a big expense. It's mainly materials and labor. In fact, the most important thing is the craftsmen's superb skills, and they built the roof strong and durable."