Courtyard House: Rebirth of a Shopkeeper in 1937

No sooner had Brother Dashan finished speaking than Guixiang rushed to report the good news, her little face beaming with pride: "Sister Shanshan, Brother Dashan, you don't know, do you! The cabbages we harvested are worth a lot of money! This morning, one cabbage sold for a whole coin! Much more expensive than what the uncles in the neighboring village are selling for!"

Hearing Gui Xiang's words, Brother Da Shan's eyes lit up, and a look of surprise appeared on his face. Then he hesitated and said, "Really? One cabbage can be exchanged for one cent? Then... then why don't we ask my dad to take the cabbages we were allocated yesterday to the medicine shop to sell? Maybe we can get a lot of copper coins and add some subsidies to the family."

Seeing this, Xingbao quickly tried to comfort him, "Cousin, don't worry. Let Uncle sell the cabbages he grows first. After all, our cabbages aren't famous yet. Apart from the guests from Yaodu who have eaten our cabbages before, other families might not be willing to pay this price. If Uncle rashly takes the cabbages to Yaodu and can't sell them, he'll either have to go through the trouble of bringing them back or he'll have to lower the price, which isn't worthwhile. However, we can let Uncle take one or two to try. Maybe some customers will be curious and buy them to try. Once more people have tasted them, our cabbages will become famous, and things will improve. Then our cabbages will naturally sell better."

Xingbao spoke clearly and logically. After listening, Brother Dashan nodded thoughtfully and said with a look of agreement, "What you said makes sense. After school is over, I'll go back and talk to my dad properly and make him do as you said." Sister Shanshan also chimed in, and then pulled Brother Dashan aside, telling Xingbao and the others to be careful on the way, before hurrying off to the small classroom in the backyard.

Before they set off, Dad came out of the kitchen and stood at the door, repeatedly instructing them, "Guixiang, Xingbao, when you two go to Master's house, you absolutely mustn't mention exchanging cabbages for money, understand?"

Upon hearing this, Gui Xiang tilted her head, looking puzzled, and asked, "Dad, why can't we mention it? Our cabbages sold for a good price. If we tell Master and Mistress, they'll be happy for us too."

Mother smiled and walked over, gently pulling Guixiang aside. She reached out and touched the little flower hat on Guixiang's head, explaining tenderly, "Silly girl, when giving gifts, it's the thought that counts, even if it's a small gift." Giving cabbage to Master and Grandpa is an expression of our respect and goodwill. No matter how much the gift is worth, it's just a small token. If we directly stated the value of the gift, it would be impolite and would diminish the sentiment.

Gui Xiang nodded, seemingly understanding, then looked serious and said, "Mom, I understand! I only told Master and Mistress that the cabbages we grew are sweet and crisp, and delicious. I specially sent some to them to try, but I didn't mention exchanging them for money at all!"

Mother smiled with satisfaction and gently nudged Guixiang's shoulder: "Guixiang is so sensible. Follow your older brother and Xingbao on the way, watch your step and don't run around. You can set off now." The three siblings agreed in unison. The second brother led Heitan, while Xingbao and Guixiang followed beside him, and they walked together toward their maternal grandfather's house.

Grandpa's house wasn't far from the kitchen, and the three of them and the donkey walked slowly, arriving in no time. Guixiang, being the most impatient, was the first to run to the courtyard gate, pushed open the slightly ajar gate, and skipped inside, shouting loudly, "Grandpa! Grandma! We've come to bring you cabbages!"

Xingbao and his second brother followed. The second brother stood at the courtyard gate, leading Heitan, while Xingbao went to help. Together, they carefully untied the two bunches of cabbages (ten heads) from the donkey's back. Just then, the eldest uncle and maternal grandfather heard the noise and quickly came out of the house, their faces showing relieved smiles. Xingbao and his second brother called out in unison, "Grandpa, Uncle!" As soon as they finished speaking, the maternal grandfather and eldest uncle rushed forward, took the cabbages from their hands, and warmly pulled the two men into the house.

As soon as we entered the house, we saw Guixiang nestled in her grandmother's arms, warming herself by the charcoal brazier, a sweet potato in her hand, which she was happily nibbling on. Her aunt sat on a stool nearby, sewing, but upon seeing us, she quickly put down her needlework and stood up to greet us. Since learning that their uncle was fighting on the front lines, their grandfather's family hadn't had a good night's sleep. Even with the medicinal spring water their father brought to soothe their bodies, they couldn't hide the exhaustion on their faces and the worry in their brows—they feared that one day, like the other four families in the village, they would suddenly receive news of their uncle's death in battle. Although they had received a letter from their uncle a few days ago confirming his safety, this worry hadn't completely subsided.

Xingbao and his second brother quickly stepped forward to greet their grandmother and aunt. Grandma held Xingbao's hand, asking him questions with obvious affection. Learning they had to rush to Dr. Yang's house to deliver cabbages, Grandma didn't insist they stay, only repeatedly reminding them to be careful on the road, keep warm, and not catch a cold. When they saw the three to the courtyard gate, Grandpa and his eldest uncle gave them a few more words of advice, and only after watching them lead Heitan away did they slowly turn and go back inside.

The second brother, leading Heitan, Xingbao, and Guixiang, turned onto the mountain path. They had only walked a short distance when, from afar, they heard the heart-wrenching cries of a young child coming from the direction of Doctor Yang's house. The cries were shrill, mingled with the soothing voices of adults and children, all exceptionally clear. The three siblings exchanged glances and slowed their pace, secretly wondering what had happened at their master's house.

The three quickened their pace and soon arrived at Doctor Yang's house. The second brother first led Blackie to the eaves pillar by the side door, carefully tied it securely with a rope, and gently patted Blackie's head, telling it to stay put. Then, the three siblings went to the side door together and carefully unloaded the two bunches of cabbages (ten heads) from the donkey's back, gently placing them in the corner of the side door to avoid damaging the leaves. After doing all this, the three of them quietly pushed open the door to the main room and went inside one by one.

Upon entering the main room, the scene before them immediately revealed the source of the crying—four couples stood crammed inside, each holding a crying toddler. The older children were clumsily trying to soothe their younger siblings, their incessant chatter mingling with the shrill cries, creating a commotion. Xingbao and the other two exchanged a furtive glance, secretly amused: Good heavens, their master's house had become a pediatric ward for sick children! Knowing their master's medical duties shouldn't be disturbed, the three didn't approach, quietly retreating to the doorway and turning towards the kitchen—their master's wife usually worked there, and was likely there as well.