Courtyard House: He Daqing Forces Qin Huairu into Marrying at the Beginning

They're obviously incredibly stingy.

"I really have no other choice."

If you can't stand by and watch, why don't you do us a favor?

Go talk to everyone in the yard and see if they can spare some grain for our family.

"As soon as I get the grain, I'll cook for the children, okay?"

Yan Bugui immediately came up with a good idea.

If the Women's Federation were willing to speak up for the Yan family, they might be able to get some benefits from their neighbors.

Yan Bugui was heartbroken after suffering such a heavy loss last time.

"Since you've said that, I can't handle this anymore."

If any problems arise later, don't blame me for not warning you.

Yan Bugui was unyielding, so Li Chunhua stopped arguing and turned to leave.

It's hard to define whether the child's food intake is being cut back. Yan Bugui insisted he had no money, and Li Chunhua couldn't do anything about it.

After all, Yan Bugui did not clearly beat or scold Yan Jiecheng, so it is difficult to characterize it as child abuse.

Watching Li Chunhua's departing figure, Yan Bugui revealed a smug smile.

Little brat, Yan Bugui is a cultured man, not a brute like Yi Zhonghai or Liu Haizhong.

Trying to use the Women's Federation to pressure him? No way.

Yan Bugui slowly returned to the house and quietly closed the door.

With a loud "crack," Yan Jiecheng, who was drinking porridge, trembled all over and almost dropped the bowl.

"Jiecheng, is the food at home not to your liking?"

Yan Bugui smiled, his eyes narrowed as he stared at his eldest son.

"Dad, I really didn't mean anything by it, I'm just too hungry."

You have no idea, I was so hungry I almost fainted today.

If it weren't for the kind old man's help, the problem would have been much more serious.

"Please, have some extra portion size at each meal."

Without Li Chunhua present, Yan Jiecheng instantly lost the courage to confront his father.

He began to plead desperately.

"Yan Jiecheng, you've really gotten quite capable!"

The old man was kind; you can go ask him for food next time.

These next few days, your family won't be providing you with meals!

Yan Bugui's expression changed instantly, and he punished Yan Jiecheng.

Chapter 102 Yan Jiecheng suffers misfortune

"Brother Daqing, why has the Yan family's child been wandering around the yard these past few days?"

Qin Huairu is busy taking care of her two children and rarely leaves the courtyard.

However, you can still see what's happening in the yard through the door.

Qin Huairu clearly saw Yan Jiecheng's unusual behavior.

"It's because Yan Bugui is too stingy and won't let the children eat their fill."

The Yan family kids were starving, so they came out hoping to get some food.

He Daqing shook his head and said calmly.

"They have their own parents to discipline them, we don't need to pay them any attention."

He Daqing had done all the help he could, and he couldn't and didn't want to get involved in anything further.

Even if Yan Jiecheng and the others suffer from hunger, that's Yan Bugui's problem.

If Yan Bugui doesn't care about his own children, the neighbors in the courtyard won't worry about them either.

I haven't even sorted out my own family matters yet.

"They were all skin and bones; people in the village only became like that during years of famine."

How could Yan Bugui be so heartless?

Qin Huairu had some knowledge of the Yan family's situation.

The Yan family is far from being starving.

Who knows him?

Every family has its own way of celebrating.

Let them do whatever they want.

He Daqing leaned close to his wife and said mysteriously.

"By the way, I brought back some good stuff today."

I'll make it for you to try tonight.

"What good stuff?"

Qin Huairu was somewhat curious.

In the two years since she married into the He family, she has eaten a lot of good food and her knowledge has broadened considerably.

You'll find out at dinner.

He Daqing gave his wife a light kiss on the forehead, then turned and went to the kitchen to prepare the meal.

Smoke rose from the kitchen chimney, carrying a faint aroma, and soon a sumptuous meal was ready.

When Qin Huairu arrived in the kitchen, she saw a plate of steaming stir-fried dishes in the middle of the dining table.

Eggs, green peppers, and some brightly colored slices of meat are mixed together, emitting an enticing aroma.

It makes your mouth water just by smelling it.

"Dad, I didn't expect you to make ham and green pepper stir-fry today."

He Yuzhu knew the truth as soon as he smelled the kitchen.

"Yeah, I just managed to get a ham from an old friend."

Winter is here, let's make some delicious food to nourish you up.

He Daqing has many connections in Beijing and can get his hands on a lot of rare ingredients.

As people become more affluent, their diet has also improved.

"Is this ham from Jinhua?"

He Yuzhu then asked.

There are many distinctive hams in China, among which the ham produced in Jinhua is the most famous and very expensive.

"Even having food can't shut you up."

Just eat.

"Don't talk too much when you're out."

He Daqing patted He Yuzhu's head and chuckled as he scolded him.

This is indeed Jinhua ham.

Before the grain ration was finalized, He Daqing planned to store more supplies.

Not only staple foods, but also many kinds of cured meats that can be stored for a long time.

The space and cellar are almost full.

He Daqing has recently been considering whether or not to expand the cellar.

"Sit down, everyone, and eat quickly."

Otherwise it won't taste good when it gets cold.

He Daqing urged as he brought the remaining dishes to the table.

On a cold day, nothing is more enjoyable than a hot meal to replenish your energy.

The group sat down, picked up their chopsticks, and began to savor He Daqing's cooking.

Tender eggs, spicy green peppers, and rich, savory ham—all the ingredients blend together to create a beautiful symphony.

It's so delicious that you can't stop eating it once you start.

After finishing their meal, the family sat at the table, resting and chatting, enjoying their leisure time.

Suddenly, there was a rapid knocking on the door.

"The Qing Dynasty, something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened!"

Upon hearing the commotion, He Daqing immediately got up and went out to investigate.

"Old Yi, what's the matter?"

He Daqing spoke calmly to Yi Zhonghai outside the courtyard.

Yi Zhonghai has been relatively well-behaved lately and hasn't caused any trouble.

He Daqing couldn't guess his purpose for coming.

"Yan Jiecheng is in trouble; he's howling in the front yard."

You should go and take a look right away.

Yi Zhonghai said urgently.