Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Wangjiazhuang has never been so lively.

The village road was packed with villagers who had rushed over after hearing the news. Men, women, and children, young and old, stood on tiptoe and craned their necks, all wanting to see for themselves the "son of Uncle Jinshan" who had "returned from America and was driving a car." Children weaved through the crowd, pointing at the three gleaming black Hongqi sedans and the massive Jiefang truck, exclaiming in amazement. The adults whispered among themselves, their eyes darting back and forth between Wang Huanbo, the cars, and the high stacks of goods covered with tarpaulins on the truck behind them, filled with curiosity, envy, and a touch of indescribable awe.

"So alike! So alike! Those eyebrows, that build, they're just like the Jinshan brothers when they were young!" An old lady with gray hair and almost no teeth was being helped by her grandson. She squinted and carefully examined Wang Huanbo, muttering to herself.

"Aunt Shan, you have sharp eyes! It's true! Look at this grandeur, it's so much better than when his father left!" An old man next to him chimed in.

"I heard you made a fortune in America? Look at that car, wow, how much did that cost?"

"More than just rich! Didn't you hear what Yuanshan said? He came from Beijing! Beijing! That's right under the emperor's nose! He might even be a high-ranking official now!"

"Whether he becomes an official or gets rich, he's still a member of the Wang family! He's made something of himself!"

"What's that truck carrying? It's covered up completely..."

"It must be good stuff! The Jinshan brothers are righteous; they haven't forgotten their fellow villagers even after becoming successful!"

Various voices buzzed and merged into a noisy background.

With a smile on his face, Wang Huanbo, guided by Wang Yuanshan and Li Youtian, walked unhurriedly into the village. His demeanor was composed, his steps steady, displaying neither arrogant superiority nor obsequious flattery. His gentle gaze swept over the villagers on either side, whose clothes were tattered but whose faces were simple and honest. Occasionally, he would nod slightly to the elders. This air of composure made the villagers feel that he was unfathomable.

As village chief Wang Yuanshan walked, he excitedly introduced the village's situation, pointing out the old house sites, the newly dug irrigation canals, and who was whose descendant. Village Party Secretary Li Youtian, on the other hand, was more focused on observing Wang Huanbo's entourage and the vehicles. As a demobilized soldier, he was well aware of the significance of the three cars and what the truck might be carrying, and he felt a chill run down his spine.

The group arrived at a relatively open threshing ground in the center of the village. The truck stopped there. Wang Huanbo said to Wang Yuanshan, "Uncle Yuanshan, I've come back this time for two reasons: first, to pay respects to our ancestors on behalf of my father, and second, to visit our relatives and neighbors. My father is far away overseas, but his heart is with his homeland. He specially prepared some small gifts for me to take back and distribute to our relatives, as a token of his heartfelt sentiments. I hope you won't find them too much."

As he spoke, he nodded to Xiao Zhao. Xiao Zhao understood, and together with Xiao Li and Xiao Xiao, they called to the three plainclothes guards and began to untie the tarpaulin and ropes on the truck.

When the tarpaulin was lifted, revealing the mountain of supplies piled up inside the wagon, the entire threshing ground fell silent instantly! Then, an even louder gasp and gasp erupted!

White flour sacks! Golden rice sacks! Square oil drums! Salt sacks and sugar boxes with printed words! And fragrant hams tied with straw rope! Dates and walnuts, their bright red color peeking out from burlap sacks! Even more dizzying were the large items carefully wrapped in burlap sacks—though their full appearance was obscured, the outline of a sewing machine head, the curve of a bicycle wheel, the square casing of a radio, the shape of an electric fan blade… For a village where even electric lights weren't common yet, the impact was enormous!

"My goodness! So much flour!"

"There's oil too! Is that peanut oil? It smells so good!"

"Look! That's ham! I've seen it at the town's cooperative; it's very expensive!"

"A bicycle! A bicycle! And it's new!"

"A sewing machine! Good heavens, that's one of the 'four essential items'!"

"And a radio! An electric fan! How much are these... how much are they worth?!"

Exclamations of surprise, gasps of admiration, and incredulous chatter nearly shook the threshing floor. Children jumped and shouted around the truck, while adults stared wide-eyed, their breathing rapid. Wang Yuanshan and Li Youtian were also stunned. They knew that "Uncle Jinshan's" family might have become wealthy, but they never imagined that the "small gift" would be so generous! This was simply... simply a sight they wouldn't even dare to imagine during the Lunar New Year!

Wang Huanbo gestured to Xiao Zhao to bring over a tin megaphone (prepared beforehand), cleared his throat, and amplified his voice through the megaphone, clearly resonating throughout the entire venue:

"Fellow villagers, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters! I am Wang Huanbo, son of Wang Jinshan! I have returned today to pay my respects to our ancestors on behalf of my father, and to extend my greetings to all the elders and fellow villagers!"

His voice was loud and clear, carrying a convincing sincerity: "My father often told me that when he was young, his family was poor, and he had no choice but to go overseas to make a living. In a foreign country, unfamiliar with the land and people, he suffered a lot. He owes everything he has today to the blessings of his ancestors and the help his fellow villagers gave to my grandfather and great-grandfather! My father has never forgotten this kindness! He always remembers his hometown and his fellow villagers!"

These words were spoken with heartfelt sincerity, and many elderly people couldn't help but wipe away tears when they recalled the hardships that Wang Jinshan's family endured when they went to sea.

"These past few years haven't been peaceful outside. My father has always wanted to come back and visit, but... he couldn't help it!" Wang Huanbo's tone turned heavy for a moment, then brightened again. "Now, finally, I have the opportunity, as his son, to come back on his behalf, to offer incense to our ancestors, and to thank our fellow villagers! These things aren't much, just a small token of my father's and my heartfelt wishes! Flour, rice, oil, and salt—distribute them to each household so everyone can have a taste! The bicycles, sewing machines, and radios—keep them for the village, for the brigade headquarters, the school, and for anyone who needs them!"

"good!!"

"The Earl of Jinshan is righteous and benevolent!"

"My nephew Huanbo is kind and generous!"

The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers and applause! The initial sense of alienation caused by unfamiliarity and the grand scale of the event was instantly dispelled by the tangible benefits and sincere words! What is family? This is family! They haven't forgotten their roots after becoming successful; they still think of their poor relatives back home!

Wang Yuanshan was so excited that his face turned red. He grabbed Wang Huanbo's hand and said, "Huanbo! Good nephew! Your father... Uncle Jinshan... he's so good! Fellow villagers... thank you so much!" The straightforward rural man's voice was choked with emotion.

Li Youtian also shook Wang Huanbo's hand firmly: "Comrade Huanbo, on behalf of the Wangjiazhuang Party Branch and production team, I thank you and your son for your deep affection for our hometown! These things have solved a big problem!"

Next, under the direction of Wang Yuanshan and Li Youtian, the distribution of supplies began. Xiao Zhao, holding a pre-prepared list based on a rough household count provided by Pangu, directed the guards and several strong young men from the village to distribute the supplies methodically. Each household received ten jin of flour, ten jin of rice, two jin of peanut oil, five cans of various canned goods, one jin of refined salt, half a jin of white sugar, and one packet each of red dates and walnuts. This was a general distribution. In addition, elderly people over sixty, families of martyrs and soldiers, and households facing extreme poverty received an extra portion, plus a ham or a packet of dried shrimp and three jin of milk powder.

The villagers who received the gifts were all beaming with joy and expressing their deepest gratitude. The children, clutching their portions of Shanghai White Rabbit milk candy and fruit hard candy, were overjoyed. The scene was lively yet orderly.

At this moment, the crowd parted, and an elderly man with white hair and beard, leaning on a cane but still in good spirits, walked over shakily, supported by a middle-aged man and a young man. The old man wore a faded long gown, old but clean and tidy, his face etched with deep wrinkles, but his eyes were clear and bright.

"Grandpa Mountain!" "Grandpa Mountain!" The crowd respectfully made way for them and greeted them.

Wang Huanbo immediately recognized him as the most senior member of the clan, a highly respected elder who had passed the imperial examinations in the late Qing Dynasty, taught at a private school in the village, and was known for his virtue and virtue! According to seniority, he should call him Uncle-Grandfather (his grandfather's cousin). He quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Uncle-Grandfather! This junior, Huanbo, on behalf of my father Jinshan, pays my respects to you! Wishing you good health and a long and happy life!"

Wang Shanshui squinted, carefully examining Wang Huanbo. Tears welled in his cloudy old eyes as he nodded repeatedly, "Good! Good! He's Jinshan's son! So alike! So much like him! Child, get up, get up quickly!" His hands trembled as he helped Wang Huanbo up, looking him over from head to toe, his beard shaking with excitement, "Your father… he suffered so much outside! Now… he's finally made it! Good! Good! He's brought honor to our Wang family!"

The middle-aged man supporting Wang Shanshui was Wang Huanbo's cousin, Wang Jinhe. He had a kind face and dark skin, and was a typical farmer. The young man next to him was his cousin, Wang Huanrong, who was a few years older than Wang Huanbo. His eyes revealed curiosity and restraint.

"Uncle Jinhe! Brother Huanrong!" Wang Huanbo turned to them again and bowed respectfully.

"Hey! Hey! Good nephew! It's good you're back! It's good you're back!" Wang Jinhe was at a loss, only able to smile sheepishly. Wang Huanrong also grinned and called out, "Brother Huanbo!"

After exchanging pleasantries, Old Master Wang Shanshui took Wang Huanbo's hand and said to Wang Yuanshan, "Yuanshan, Huanbo's return to pay respects to our ancestors is a momentous occasion! Open the ancestral hall! Invite the ancestral tablets! Have Huanbo kowtow and offer incense to his father and all the ancestors!"

"Okay! I'll arrange it right away!" Wang Yuanshan quickly agreed.

The Wang Family Ancestral Hall, located at the east end of the village, is an old building with blue bricks and gray tiles. Although somewhat dilapidated, it is fairly clean. At this moment, the hall's doors are wide open, and the air is filled with the smoke of incense. On the central shrine, the Wang family genealogy and the ancestral tablets of past generations are enshrined. Wang Shanshui, the eldest patriarch of the clan, presided over the sacrificial ceremony.

Wang Huanbo washed his hands in a copper basin at the entrance of the ancestral hall, straightened his clothes, and looked solemn. Xiao Zhao stepped forward carrying a sandalwood box, inside which were the sacrificial gifts that Wang Jinshan had prepared and sent with the letter: a pair of red gold candlesticks, a white jade incense burner, three sticks of sandalwood incense as thick as a child's arm, and a sacrificial text to the ancestors written by Wang Jinshan himself and sealed with wax.

Upon seeing these, the clan elders gasped in surprise. Golden candlesticks! Jade incense burner! How precious these must be! Jinshan (Wang Huanbo's father) has truly prospered!

The ceremony began. The old patriarch, Wang Shanshui, recited the eulogy in a trembling voice (handed over by Wang Huanbo, and read aloud by the old patriarch wearing reading glasses). It was nothing more than, "The unworthy descendant of the Wang family, Jinshan, is far away overseas and unable to attend in person. Therefore, he has specially sent his son, Huanbo, to offer this humble sacrifice before the ancestral tablets… Remembering their virtuous deeds and grateful for their kindness… Our sincere hearts are evident… We humbly pray that their spirits will silently bless us, so that our descendants may continue to thrive…" The writing was elegant and refined, but the sentiment was genuine and heartfelt.

Wang Huanbo knelt on the prayer mat, bowing three times and kowtowing nine times before the ancestral tablets, paying his respects with utmost solemnity. He performed the rituals on behalf of his father, his expression solemn and his movements meticulous. In his heart, he silently prayed: May my parents be healthy, my brothers and sisters prosper, and my family flourish in this world. He also wished that the ancestors of the original owner of this body could feel the remembrance and respect from their wandering son.

The ceremony was complete. Grandfather Wang Shanshui personally burned the sacrificial text in the incense burner, the smoke rising straight up to the roof beams. The surrounding clansmen, young and old, all stood in solemn silence. At this moment, the bonds of blood and clan, transcending oceans, were united here.

After the ancestral worship ceremony, it was nearly noon. Wang Yuanshan and Li Youtian had already arranged for a feast to be set up in the village office (originally a side room of the ancestral hall, now converted into offices and a place for collective activities). The food used was rice, noodles, cooking oil, meat, and vegetables brought by Wang Huanbo. The village provided some vegetables, and some semi-finished cooked foods (such as braised beef and braised dishes) that Sha Zhu had prepared for Wang Huanbo came in handy. The tables, chairs, bowls, and chopsticks were all collected from various households. Although simple, the atmosphere was lively.

Wang Huanbo was seated at the head of the table, alongside Wang Shanshui, Wang Yuanshan, Li Youtian, Wang Jinhe, and other clan elders and village officials. During the meal, Wang Huanbo made no mention of his specific positions or achievements abroad, only saying that he "did some technical work in a government unit." He steered the conversation towards his father's struggles running his business overseas, his longing for his hometown, and inquired about the village's production and daily life, as well as the education of the clan's children. His humble attitude and sincere words, along with his frequent serving of food to his great-uncle and cousins, quickly won the favor of everyone present.

When he learned that the village primary school had only two dilapidated classrooms, one teacher who taught all subjects, and many children who couldn't afford to go to school, Wang Huanbo pondered for a moment and said to Wang Yuanshan and Li Youtian, "Uncle Yuanshan, Secretary Li, education is the foundation of a nation's long-term development. Children are the hope for the future. Among the things I brought this time, there are five Peony brand radios. We can keep one for the school so that the children can hear about the outside world and learn Mandarin and songs. Also..." He gestured to Xiao Zhao to bring a pre-prepared brown paper package, which, when opened, contained a thick stack of brand-new RMB banknotes.

"Here's a thousand yuan." Wang Huanbo pushed the money in front of Wang Yuanshan. "This is a small token of my father's and my wish, specifically for repairing the village primary school, buying desks, chairs, and teaching aids, and hiring a good teacher. It's not much, but I hope it will make a difference. If it's not enough, I'll find another way."

One thousand yuan! In the mid-1950s, this was an absolute fortune! Enough to renovate the village primary school and hire several teachers! Wang Yuanshan and Li Youtian were so excited their hands trembled: "This...this is unacceptable! It's too...too expensive!"

"Alright." Wang Huanbo pressed down on Wang Yuanshan's refusing hand and said sincerely, "My father often said that when he left home, he only had a few copper coins. It was the villagers who pooled together a bowl of porridge from one house and a piece of sweet potato from another to pay for his journey. Now that we are a little better off, it is our duty to give back to the village. This money must be used for the children."

Old Master Wang Shanshui, tears streaming down his face, pounded the table: "Jinshan has descendants! My Wang family has descendants! A family that accumulates good deeds will surely have abundant blessings! Huanbo, you and your father were both outstanding!"

The other villagers were also deeply moved. Some who had initially murmured about "showing off when they got back" were now completely convinced, filled only with gratitude and admiration. This person had genuinely given money to do practical things for the village! This was truly a great act of kindness!

Wang Huanbo then looked at his cousin Wang Huanrong: "Brother Huanrong, I heard you attended a private school for a few years and can read?"

Wang Huanrong nodded somewhat embarrassedly: "I studied with Shan Taigong for a few years and know a few characters, but not many."

"It's good that you can read," Wang Huanbo said with a smile, taking out a brand-new Shanghai brand watch from his pocket (actually from his spatial storage) and handing it over. "Take this. It'll be convenient for you to keep track of time while working in the village and recording your work points. Consider it a small gift from your younger brother." He then took out several pens and notebooks and gave them to several school children in the village, encouraging them to study hard.

Wang Huanbo gave Wang Jinhe's family an extra pack of Camel cigarettes, two cans of milk powder, and a bolt of dark blue khaki cloth (for making clothes). Wang Shanshui's grandfather received a carved sandalwood cane, a box of Korean ginseng, and a can of tea. The old man stroked the smooth cane, beaming from ear to ear.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious. Wang Huanbo seized the opportunity and suggested visiting the ancestral graves to personally add soil for the offering. Wang Yuanshan and the others naturally agreed.

In the afternoon, the sun shone brightly. Accompanied by relatives such as Wang Shanshui, Wang Jinhe, and Wang Huanrong, Wang Huanbo arrived at the ancestral cemetery behind the village. Here lie the graves of the Wang family's ancestors. Finding the graves of Wang Jinshan's grandparents and great-grandparents, Wang Huanbo personally wielded a shovel, adding fresh soil to several somewhat overgrown graves, clearing away weeds, and placing the fruit, pastries, and other offerings he had brought. He then burned incense and kowtowed once more. The ceremony was simple, but the sentiment was sincere.

Looking at the newly renovated ancestral graves, Old Master Wang Shanshui was filled with emotion. He said to Wang Huanbo, "My child, you've done a good job. Your ancestors in heaven have received your father's wishes. Our Wang family is honored to have such fine descendants as your father and you! Come back and visit often! This place will always be your roots!"

"Don't worry, Uncle, I will definitely come back often whenever I have the chance," Wang Huanbo solemnly promised.

As the sun set, the convoy prepared to return home. Almost the entire village, young and old, came to the village entrance to see them off. Everyone had a smile on their face, and each held something they had been given. Children, with candy in their mouths, chased after the convoy. The elderly waved goodbye, wiping away tears.

Wang Huanbo shook hands with Wang Shanshui, Wang Yuanshan, Li Youtian, Wang Jinhe, and others to say goodbye, urging them to take care of themselves and to send messages to Beijing if they encountered any difficulties (he left the mailing address of the Hongxing Factory). He then specifically said to Wang Yuanshan and Li Youtian, "Uncle Yuanshan, Secretary Li, please take good care of the village primary school. If you don't have enough money or encounter any difficulties, please be sure to tell me."

"Don't worry, Huanbo! We will definitely run the school well! We will never let you and your father down!" The two of them made their promise with great emotion.

The Hongqi sedan and the Jiefang truck (after unloading the supplies) slowly started and drove away from the village entrance. Wang Huanbo looked back through the car window at the increasingly smaller village and the figures lingering at the village entrance. The afterglow of the setting sun gilded the village with a layer of gold, and wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys, peaceful and serene.

"Pangu, record the coordinates and create a file for 'Wangjiazhuang'. Regularly scan the surrounding 50-kilometer area to monitor the village's activities, especially the progress of the primary school renovation and the health of the villagers. If there are any abnormalities or urgent needs, promptly remind me."

"Command confirmed. File created. Scanning process started."

Wang Huanbo leaned back in his comfortable leather chair and closed his eyes. Returning home in glory, a triumphant homecoming… his father's wish had been more than fulfilled. He had not only left behind abundant supplies, but also sown seeds of kindness and hope. The villagers' simple, grateful smiles, the children's shining eyes as they received their stationery, the trembling hands of old man Wang Shanshui… all of this made him feel that this journey had been worthwhile.

He understood his father's desire to "show off." But more importantly, through this act, he re-established his blood ties with his hometown and left something tangible for this land. Perhaps this is the deeper meaning of "returning home in glory."

The convoy entered the main road and sped towards Beijing. Outside the car window, dusk was falling, and the stars were just beginning to appear. Wang Huanbo's thoughts, however, had already drifted far away, to the other side of the ocean. His father would surely be pleased to see his letter and the report on today's events (Xiao Zhao would write a detailed report).

That night in Wangjiazhuang, no one was destined to sleep. Those who received white flour made pancakes overnight; those who received meat stewed a fragrant pot; children drifted off to sleep with candy in their mouths; the elders gathered in front of the ancestral hall, stroking the cloth and ham they had received by moonlight, talking about "Huanbo of the Jinshan family," lamenting the changes of the world, and praising the benevolence and ability of Wang Jinshan and his son. Those three gleaming black cars and the truck loaded with gifts would become a legend passed down by word of mouth in Wangjiazhuang for decades to come. And the name "Wang Huanbo," and the image of the "wealthy overseas clansmen who cherish their traditions," that he represented, would be deeply imprinted in the memory of this village.

When the lights in the west courtyard came on again, Wang Huanbo had already returned to his study. On the table lay a telegram he had just received, which, after translation, contained only a short line: "The letter has been received, which is very comforting. My brother and sister-in-law are well, so please do not worry. Your father." It was his father's reply from a special channel, concise yet full of joy and affirmation.

Wang Huanbo smiled slightly, picked up his pen, and began writing a detailed report on today's trip, intending to send it, along with some on-site photos (Pangu's covert photography), to his father. He knew that this report would be one of the best gifts his father would receive this year.

Outside the window, the courtyard at No. 95 had returned to calm. But Wang Huanbo knew that the ripples from this "high-profile" return home were perhaps only just beginning to spread. However, that was a matter for later. Right now, he had more important things to do—the initial design of the Type 81 automatic rifle needed to be put on the agenda. After all, General Li Yunlong's eagerly anticipating gaze was still vivid in his mind.