Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Late autumn, 1957.

An exciting message, transmitted via encrypted telegram from the remote and desolate Gobi Desert in Northwest China, reached Beijing and a limited number of people at the top levels, including Wang Huanbo, the chief engineer of the Red Star United Industrial Corporation.

The Yumen research and development base has made a breakthrough in tackling key technologies for the "Ark Reactor"! Although it's only a phase of success, and there's still a long way to go before the ideal "artificial sun" capable of providing near-inexhaustible clean energy is truly operational, this is undoubtedly a shot in the arm. It proves that this path is feasible, and that under extremely difficult conditions, the scientists and engineers of the Republic are creating a miracle belonging to the East. News was strictly controlled within a very small circle, but the suppressed joy and hope, like magma underground, surged in the hearts of those in the know. Wang Huanbo looked at the brief, technically-laden progress report in his hand, his fingers trembling slightly. He knew what this meant—once successful, the energy constraints hindering the industrial development of this nascent nation would be completely broken, and a brand new era would truly begin.

However, despite the hope ahead, the pressure of reality never lessened. To provide virtually unlimited energy and material support for the "Pride Missile" project in the Northwest, a project that held the nation's destiny in its hands, and the equally energy-intensive "Ark" pre-research project at the Yumen base, the nation's resources, including precious electricity, were being centrally allocated and pushed to their limits in an almost tragic manner. As a result, except for a few defense units, key factories, core research institutions, important communication hubs, and hospital operating rooms where power outages were absolutely unacceptable, large-scale, planned, intermittent power outages began nationwide—what the public called "power rationing."

Beijing, as the capital, is in a slightly better situation, but the pressure is still immense. It's home to too many "important units": the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, various ministries and commissions of the State Council, military organs, key universities, national-level research institutes, and large backbone enterprises (such as the Red Star United Industrial Corporation)... The electricity supply to these places must be prioritized under any circumstances. The dispatchers at the power bureau, facing a massive power grid map filled with red and blue lines every day, their brows furrowed, their pens and telephones determining the light and darkness in different areas of the city. Residential electricity naturally becomes the primary target for "conservation."

The policy was communicated from top to bottom: save electricity and overcome difficulties together. Government offices were required to turn off lights when leaving, factories were required to stagger production hours, schools were required to adjust their schedules, and ordinary residential areas were subject to zoned and time-based power rationing.

The courtyard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, a place that has witnessed countless joys and sorrows of ordinary people, was not spared either. Every evening, just as dusk was falling and everyone was preparing dinner and lighting lamps, "click," all the electric lights in the courtyard would go out at once, plunging the entire courtyard into darkness. Only the dim, flickering light of kerosene lamps or a tiny candle flame would gradually illuminate the windows of each room.

Complaints and grumbling echoed from every corner of the courtyard.

"Which area is experiencing a power outage this time? The food isn't even cooked yet!"

"My child hasn't finished their homework yet, and in this pitch black, their eyes are going to go bad!"

"We've paid a lot in electricity bills this month, why did they just cut it off like that?"

"I heard there's a major construction project in the Northwest, and electricity is tight. Please bear with it..."

Despite the complaints, most residents were understanding. The prevailing sentiment at the time was that when the country faced difficulties, ordinary people would tighten their belts to support it. They would dig out dusty kerosene lamps, polish their glass shades, find candles they couldn't bear to use, or simply eat early, wash up by the last rays of daylight streaming through the window, and then go to bed early to chat in the dark—a way to save electricity.

However, people's hearts are never at peace, especially when the contrast is stark.

In the front yard, at Yan Fugui's house, the third uncle, Yan Fugui, by the dim light of a kerosene lamp, gnawed on a hard cornbread—bare enough to kill a dog—while eating pickled vegetables. His shrewd, calculating eyes were fixed on the direction of the moon gate in the middle courtyard through the window covered with old newspapers. There, the outline of the west wing was clearly visible in the deepening twilight, not because of the moonlight, but because of the steady, bright, even somewhat blinding light shining from the windows of the west wing! It was the light of electric lights!

"Hmph!" Yan Fugui slammed the cornbread onto the table, sending up a few crumbs that startled the old woman next to him who was sipping her porridge.

"Dad, what's wrong with you again?" the third aunt asked in a low voice.

"What's wrong? Look! Look at the west wing!" Yan Fugui's finger trembled as he pointed out the window, his voice sharp with excitement and an inexplicable jealousy. "The country has repeatedly emphasized the need to conserve electricity and overcome these difficult times together! In the whole wing—no, I see half of this alley—only their house is brightly lit! Why? Huh? Just because Wang Huanbo is the chief engineer, a leader? Does being a leader give you special privileges? Does it mean you can disregard national policies?"

His voice wasn't quiet; in the still night, with only the crackling of the kerosene lamp, it carried into the courtyard. Just then, Second Uncle Liu Haizhong, with his hands behind his back and his signature, "official-like" belly protruding, strolled over from the backyard, seemingly also taking a post-dinner stroll and listening to the "people's sentiments."

Yan Fugui, as if he had found a kindred spirit, immediately raised his voice: "Second Uncle, you be the judge! We're responding to the national call to eat by kerosene lamp in the dark, but Engineer Wang's house is as bright as day! Is this outrageous? Isn't this leading the way in seeking special treatment?"

Liu Haizhong was just looking for an opportunity to demonstrate his authority as the "second uncle" and his profound understanding of the "spirit from above." Hearing this, he stopped, cleared his throat, and adopted his usual bureaucratic tone, slowly agreeing: "Hmm, Old Yan's words have some merit. This…saving electricity is a national call, a revolutionary necessity. Every one of us, ah, including leading cadres, should set an example and take the lead in implementing it. This…the situation in the west wing is indeed debatable. However," he changed the subject, trying to show his "comprehensiveness," "Engineer Wang is busy, contributing to the country, and may…well, need lighting. But shouldn't we also consider the impact of how much and how it's used?"

Liu Haizhong's words, seemingly fair, actually made the accusation of "seeking special treatment" even more convincing, and also carried a provocative meaning of "the leader may have excusable reasons, but the masses have objections."

Their conversation was exceptionally clear in the quiet courtyard. Many neighbors who weren't fully asleep perked up their ears. In the middle courtyard, at Yi Zhonghai's house, Yi Zhonghai sat in the dim light, smoking his pipe, his brow slightly furrowed, but he remained silent. At the Jia family's house, Jia Zhangshi pursed her lips and whispered to Qin Huairu, "Did you hear that? It's so good to be an official! Electricity is no problem!" Qin Huairu silently sewed shoe soles, not replying, but thinking to herself, she wished her own Dongxu could be so "special." In the east wing, Liang Ladi, who had recently been transferred to the Hongxing Automobile Factory, was mending her children's clothes under the lamp (her house was also without power, so she was using a kerosene lamp). Upon hearing this, her needle paused.

Just then, the door to the west courtyard creaked open. Wang Huanbo's driver and bodyguard, Xiao Zhao, was carrying a net bag containing several empty cans. It seemed he was out to throw out the trash and buy some things at the supply and marketing cooperative at the alley entrance. Xiao Zhao was young and had sharp ears; he had overheard everything Yan Fugui and Liu Haizhong said as soon as he stepped out.

Xiao Zhao, a former soldier, was straightforward and held Wang Huanbo in the highest esteem. He couldn't stand anyone speaking ill of Wang behind his back, especially such unfounded, obviously jealous, and distorted gossip. He immediately stopped, turned around, looked at the flickering kerosene lamplight from Yan Fugui's window, caused by the speaker's movements, then looked at Liu Haizhong, who stood in the yard with his hands behind his back and a protruding belly, and spoke in a soft but unusually clear and forceful voice:

"Teacher Yan, Team Leader Liu," he addressed the two men formally (Yan Fugui was a primary school teacher, and Liu Haizhong was the "second uncle" of the courtyard, also jokingly referred to as "Team Leader Liu" by some neighbors, implying his ambition for officialdom), then his tone hardened, "I have to say something about this. First of all, the power lines in our west courtyard are not the same as the lines for the other residents in our No. 95 courtyard at all! It's a dedicated line pulled from the transformer by the power company, with its own meter, separate accounting, and everything is crystal clear."

He paused, looking at the somewhat surprised faces of Yan Fugui and Liu Haizhong, and continued, "Why? Because after get off work, Engineer Wang often continues to work, read books, draw blueprints, and think about technical problems! The things he thinks about are related to how many important projects our country has, and whether our factory can manufacture a certain number of new machines and equipment. The leaders of the power bureau personally instructed that the power supply to Engineer Wang, as well as several important technical departments and laboratories in the factory, must be given priority and fully guaranteed! This is not about giving special treatment; it's to ensure that the country's important work is not affected!"

Xiao Zhao grew increasingly angry: "Do you know how late Engineer Wang works every day? He often works through the night on a technical problem! What's wrong with using a little electricity? That little bit of electricity can light up his drawing for one more blueprint, can allow him to read one more document, and might even help our country achieve a technological breakthrough a day sooner! While you're here calculating the cost of electricity by kerosene lamp, Engineer Wang is probably calculating the big picture under his lamp, potentially ending nationwide power outages! Teacher Yan, you're a teacher, surely it's not my place as a mere driver to tell you this?"

Xiao Zhao's words were logical, well-founded, and delivered in a loud voice, leaving Yan Fugui and Liu Haizhong speechless. Especially the last phrase, "people's teacher," felt like a slap in the face to Yan Fugui, a self-proclaimed cultured man who loved to preach. He opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but didn't know where to begin. Should he say Wang Huanbo shouldn't work at night? Should he say the state shouldn't guarantee electricity for important scientific researchers? He dared not utter those words.

Liu Haizhong was even more embarrassed. He had wanted to demonstrate his "policy expertise" and awareness of "public oversight," but he hadn't expected to run into a brick wall. Although Xiao Zhao was just a driver, he was Wang Huanbo's driver, and to some extent represented Wang Huanbo's attitude. Moreover, what Xiao Zhao said made sense; it was a fact that the power bureau was installing its own lines, and many people in the compound vaguely knew this. His earlier "questionable" remarks now sounded not only unreasonable but also somewhat foolish.

The other neighbors eavesdropping in the courtyard had varying opinions. Yi Zhonghai nodded slightly inside, agreeing with Xiao Zhao; someone as capable as Engineer Wang deserved some electricity. Jia Zhangshi pursed her lips and muttered, "What's with the smugness? He's just a driver..." but her voice was barely audible. Some more reasonable neighbors felt that Yan Fugui and Liu Haizhong had indeed gone too far this time, being envious of others without considering what they did for a living.

However, the controversy did not subside.

The door to the east wing opened at that moment, and Liang Ladi came out carrying a sewing basket. She had clearly heard the conversation outside. The light from the kerosene lamp illuminated her delicate yet resolute face. Unlike the widow who had been full of sorrow and somewhat fierce in order to protect herself and her child when she first moved in a few months ago, Liang Ladi now had a more confident and relaxed demeanor.

Since being "exceptionally" transferred from the small machinery factory attached to the Hongxing Factory to the Hongxing Automobile Factory, Liang Ladi's life seemed to have opened a new window. At the Hongxing Automobile Factory, no one cast strange or disdainful glances at her because she was a female welder (perhaps some did, but dared not say it openly). Here, skill and contribution were valued. With her years of honed skills, which were more exquisite and solid than many male welders, and a fighting spirit that rivaled men's, Liang Ladi quickly established herself in her new position. Amidst the flashing sparks of welding, she rediscovered her long-lost dignity and value.

In the recent worker skills assessment, Liang Ladi made a stunning debut, passing the Level 6 welder assessment with her solid theoretical knowledge and near-perfect practical skills! This was an exceptional achievement in the entire Hongxing Automobile Factory, and even the entire Hongxing United Industrial Corporation, especially considering she was a woman! Li Huaide, the factory director, personally awarded her the "Model Worker" medal and certificate at the commendation ceremony. When Li Huaide learned that Liang Ladi was not only a top-notch technician but also a widow raising four young children alone, this director, known in the factory for his "competence" and "womanizing," was unusually moved by compassion. Unlike his previous advances towards some female workers, he didn't have any improper thoughts about her; instead, he allocated extra rice, flour, oil, and factory welfare vouchers for Liang Ladi, and instructed the logistics department and the labor union to take good care of her. This wasn't because Li Huaide had changed his ways, but rather because Liang Ladi's resilience and achievements made him feel a sense of shame and respect for her, despite his petty calculations and selfishness in the face of a true role model. After all, for his powerful father-in-law to approve of his daughter's marriage, Li Huaide was far from just a lecher; he still possessed competence and a bottom line of "official morality."

The factory's women's federation held Liang Ladi up as a role model, promoting her achievements as a "woman who is just as capable as a man" and an "independent woman of the new era" on various occasions. During holidays, the labor union and women's federation would always remember to visit her family. Although life remained difficult, and the pressure of supporting four children who were "almost living on their parents' backs" was immense, the stable, significantly higher salary, various honors, and tangible benefits lightened Liang Ladi's burden considerably, and smiles gradually returned to her face. She knew in her heart that all these changes stemmed from Chief Engineer Wang Huanbo, whom she hadn't interacted with much, but whose words had changed the fate of her and her children. It was Chief Engineer Wang who, when the machinery factory was facing a shortage of production tasks and low wages, and when she was desperate, saw the "Level 5 Welder" record in her file and transferred her to the Hongxing Automobile Factory, which needed more skilled workers, giving her and her children real hope.

Liang Ladi is a grateful and principled person. She is thankful to Wang Huanbo, Factory Director Li Huaide, and the factory for their care, and she cherishes her current life. She has little to repay them with, except for her excellent needlework skills. A few days ago, she used her saved fabric ration coupons to buy a piece of high-quality navy blue woolen fabric. After several sleepless nights, she meticulously sewed a fashionable long trench coat for Wang Huanbo, based on her own observation and practice. The coat was simple and crisp, with fine and even stitches, and she even thoughtfully added a detachable lining to suit different seasons. Today, she wanted to take advantage of some free time after dinner to deliver the coat to the west courtyard for Wang to try on, as a small token of her appreciation.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she stepped outside, she overheard Yan Fugui and Liu Haizhong's sarcastic and jealous gossip. Liang Ladi's anger flared up instantly. Her original fiery temperament was a protective shell forced upon her by a difficult life. Now that life had improved, the fierceness and sense of justice in her nature had not faded; on the contrary, they had become even more pronounced because of her newfound confidence and gratitude.

She heard Xiao Zhao's rebuttal clearly and inwardly cheered. But seeing Yan Fugui and Liu Haizhong's sullen and unconvinced expressions after being speechless, especially Yan Fugui's eyes behind his glasses, which were still full of calculation and resentment, Liang Ladi felt that it wasn't enough for Xiao Zhao to speak.

Carrying her sewing basket, she walked straight to the point where the light met the darkness in Yan Fugui's yard, her voice clear and resonant, carrying the penetrating quality unique to welders.

"Teacher Yan, Team Leader Liu, Comrade Xiao Zhao is right. I, Liang Ladi, would also like to say a few words." She set the tone first, not to argue, but to "reason".

"Yes, the country is facing an electricity shortage right now, so we, the ordinary people, are urged to conserve electricity. We should conserve it. What's wrong with using kerosene lamps? Our ancestors have always done it this way. Right now, it's a major national project, and we're facing temporary difficulties. Shouldn't we grit our teeth and overcome them?"

She abruptly changed the subject, getting straight to the point: "But how can it be the same as Engineer Wang? Do you know what Engineer Wang is busy with every day at the factory? Do you know how many people's livelihoods are affected by the blueprints he draws and the numbers he calculates, and how many major national events are at stake? Yes, the power supply to the west wing hasn't been interrupted, but that power is being used where it's needed! Engineer Wang is burning the midnight oil, not for enjoyment, but to work! He's creating a day when we don't have to use kerosene lamps anymore, for our country, for all of us, including you two!"

Liang Ladi became more and more excited as she spoke. She recalled the intricate blueprints she had seen in the factory, the car frame that was gradually taking shape amidst the flying sparks of welding, and the happy smiles on the children's faces when they could finally eat a few full meals because of her higher wages. All of this was inseparable from the contributions of technicians like Engineer Wang.

"I, Liang Ladi, am a widow with four children. If it weren't for Engineer Wang's words that transferred me to the car factory, the factory leaders' care, and the current favorable policies, my children and I would still be starving and freezing somewhere! Engineer Wang is such a good and capable man, wholeheartedly devoted to his work. Instead of appreciating his kindness, you're here arguing about how he used a few extra kilowatt-hours of electricity? What kind of petty calculations are you all making?"

She pointed to the flickering kerosene lamp in Yan Fugui's window: "Teacher Yan, if you really feel wronged by using a kerosene lamp, then you should be like Engineer Wang, go and invent things, solve problems for the country, and I guarantee the power company will install a dedicated line for you! But can you do it? Besides calculating the few scallions and garlic cloves of your neighbors in the yard, and the meager wages of your own children, what else can you calculate?"

These words were incredibly harsh, tearing away the mask that Yan Fugui cared about most, and that he found most repulsive. Yan Fugui's face turned pale with anger, and he pointed at Liang Ladi: "You...you...shrew! Talking nonsense!"

"A shrew?" Liang Ladi sneered. "I was forced into being a shrew by life! But I, Liang Ladi, know how to repay kindness and understand the great principles! Unlike some people who wear the title of 'teacher' but are filled with nothing but selfishness!"

She then looked at Liu Haizhong, whose face had turned a deep purplish-red and who seemed about to speak but didn't know what to say: "Team Leader Liu, you're a veteran worker and the head of the compound. Instead of thinking about how to unite the neighbors and support the country, you're here stirring up trouble and causing chaos? Is this how you act as the 'second-in-command'?"

Liu Haizhong was rendered speechless by the rebuttal. His biggest weakness was that he was obsessed with officialdom but couldn't be a cadre. He was most afraid of being told that he was "unworthy" or "incompetent." Liang Ladi's words hit him right where it hurt.

The neighbors in the courtyard listened quietly, no one coming out to intervene. Yi Zhonghai remained silent, but secretly nodded in approval of Liang Ladi's scathing words. Inside the house, Jia Zhangshi muttered softly, "That Liang Ladi, she's got a sharp tongue..." Qin Huairu, on the other hand, envied Liang Ladi's courage and confidence. Xu Damao, holed up at home, listened to the commotion outside, calculating in his mind: Liang Ladi was now a star in the factory, a level-six welder, a model worker—he couldn't afford to offend her. Yan Fugui and Liu Haizhong had really bitten off more than they could chew this time.

Liang Ladi's rapid-fire rebuttals and criticisms left Yan Fugui and Liu Haizhong red-faced and speechless. Yan Fugui stammered for a long time, then finally stomped his foot angrily, retreated back into the house, and slammed the window shut. Liu Haizhong couldn't stand it any longer either; he slunk away, hands behind his back, quickly walking back to the backyard, his "official airs" completely gone.

Liang Ladi was still furious, but seeing the two men retreat, she didn't bother to argue any further. She composed herself, picked up the trench coat that was carefully wrapped in old cloth on the windowsill, and turned to walk towards the west wing behind the moon gate in the central courtyard.

Xiao Zhao cast an admiring glance at her, and Liang Ladi nodded slightly before walking straight to the west courtyard gate and gently knocking on the door.

Lou Xiao'e opened the door. Lou Xiao'e was a little surprised to see Liang Ladi, but quickly put on a warm smile: "Sister Liang? Please come in!" Since marrying Wang Huanbo and experiencing that shooting incident, Lou Xiao'e's personality has become more gentle and resilient than before. She has great respect for the factory workers, especially female workers like Liang Ladi who earn their living through their own abilities.

Wang Huanbo was in his study, deep in thought, staring at a stack of blueprints and calculations, the lamp casting a bright, soft light. Hearing a noise, he came out.

"Mr. Wang, I'm sorry to bother you." Liang Ladi was a little flustered, but her eyes were clear.

"Master Liang, please have a seat. Xiao'e, pour some tea," Wang Huanbo greeted kindly. He remembered Liang Ladi; he knew she was a newly promoted level-six welder and a technical expert in the factory, and he admired her resilience in raising four children on her own.

Liang Ladi explained her purpose and somewhat embarrassedly took out the trench coat: "Engineer Wang, I... I don't have much to thank you for. This is just a small token of my skill; I made you this coat. Please don't mind, try it on and see if it fits."

Wang Huanbo was somewhat surprised. He took the trench coat and felt its thick, substantial texture and extremely fine workmanship. He unfolded it and saw that the style was elegant, the stitching was meticulous, and the details were handled very well. It even had a removable lining for warmth. The thought and craftsmanship were extraordinary.

"Master Liang, your craftsmanship is superb! This is much better than any ready-made clothes you can buy outside!" Wang Huanbo exclaimed sincerely, immediately taking off his coat to try it on. The size was surprisingly perfect, as if it had been tailor-made. The navy blue serge fabric was crisp and stylish, making Wang Huanbo's slightly thin figure appear even more upright and spirited.

"It fits perfectly, it fits so well! Master Liang, your eye for detail and your craftsmanship are absolutely superb!" Wang Huanbo looked at himself in the mirror, extremely satisfied. Lou Xiao'e also praised him repeatedly from the side.

Seeing that Wang Huanbo liked it, Liang Ladi felt relieved and a simple smile appeared on her face: "I'm just worried that it fits you well..."

"No problem at all, it's wonderful!" Wang Huanbo carefully took off his overcoat and handed it to Lou Xiao'e to put away. Then, he said seriously to Liang Ladi, "Master Liang, I appreciate your kindness. But this is too much of a expense for you. Fabric and workmanship all cost money. So, Xiao'e," he turned to his wife, "take those two cans of milk powder from our house, and the few cans of beef that the comrades in the army gave us last time, for Master Liang to take with him. Master Liang has many children and they need nutrition."

Upon hearing this, Liang Ladi quickly waved her hands, "No, no! Engineer Wang, this won't do! I came to thank you, how can I take your things again! This won't do!"

"Master Liang, listen to me," Wang Huanbo said sincerely. "Your craftsmanship is worth the price. I'll accept this trench coat; I really like it. But these things are for you and the children. You're a role model and a key technical worker in the factory. Take good care of your health and your children so you can contribute more to the country. This is also a small token of my appreciation for our outstanding workers. If you don't accept it, you're disrespecting this small token of my appreciation."

Lou Xiao'e also gently advised from the side, "Sister Liang, please accept it. Huanbo is right, the children's growth is the most important thing. It's not easy for you to take care of four by yourself."

After much refusal, Liang Ladi couldn't resist the sincerity of Wang Huanbo and his wife. Looking at the two cans of milk powder, which were extremely rare at the time, and the several cans of oily beef, she thought of her four boys who were still growing up and had plenty of food. Her eyes welled up with tears. She knew that the trench coat she had made, although painstakingly crafted, was far less valuable than these things. This was not just material help, but also a sign of respect and recognition.

"Well... then I'll accept it, even if it's a bit shameless. Thank you, Engineer Wang, thank you, Secretary Lou!" Liang Ladi's voice choked with emotion as she bowed deeply.

Leaving the west courtyard, Liang Ladi held the milk powder and canned food, rewrapped in old cloth, her heart filled with warmth. Passing the front yard, she saw that Yan Fugui's windows were tightly shut, and even the light from the kerosene lamp inside seemed to exude a stifling atmosphere. The backyard was also quiet.

Liang Ladi cursed inwardly: "A good person like Engineer Wang, who works hard for the country and uses electricity at night, has to be gossiped about and framed by such a despicable person? It's outrageous!"

She straightened her back, clutching the heavy bag of warmth and hope in her arms, and walked towards her simple but promising little house in the east courtyard. The bright light from the west courtyard shone quietly behind her, like a lighthouse in the darkness, illuminating not only blueprints and calculations, but also the path forward for many ordinary people like Liang Ladi, striving to live and be grateful amidst the tides of the times. The petty calculations and grievances that had festered under the kerosene lamps in the front and back yards seemed even smaller and more ridiculous against the backdrop of this steadfast and warm light. The power shortage was temporary, but whether the light in one's heart shone brightly or dimly depended on oneself.