Courtyard House: Time Traveler Not Yet a Ghost

On the first day of March, spring was just beginning to melt, and even the remaining ice in the hutongs of old Beijing seemed to soften a bit. The sunlight was exceptionally generous, spreading golden light across every corner of the courtyard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, especially the newly renovated moon gate of the east wing, adorned with brand-new large red double happiness characters.

Two weeks ago, He Damin officially moved into his new home, meticulously designed by Master Lei of the "Yangshi Lei" family, a blend of traditional style and modern convenience. The blue bricks and gray tiles remain, the eaves and corners are as they always have; from the outside, the east courtyard blends seamlessly with the overall rustic charm of the courtyard house. But the interior is quite different. The two-story house is spacious and bright, with a clean and convenient separate bathroom. The hidden boiler piping system, though not yet officially operational (awaiting coal connection), already fills one with anticipation. In the back garden, the pond is shallow and clear, with several red carp swimming about. Artificial hills are scattered throughout, and newly transplanted flowering trees are already sprouting tender buds, all reflecting the owner's meticulous attention to detail and refined taste.

Today, this newly renovated courtyard will welcome its mistress and witness a lively and joyous wedding.

As dawn broke, the courtyard was already bustling with activity. In the front yard, Yan Bugui had already brought out his beloved, peeling old desk, placed it in front of the screen wall, spread out red paper, ground thick ink, adjusted his glasses, and solemnly picked up his brush to write. Today, he was responsible for writing all the wedding couplets, banners, and gift lists—a great trust from the host family and a good opportunity for this "cultured man" to showcase his talents and gain face. Auspicious phrases such as "a match made in heaven" and "a harmonious union of phoenixes" flowed from his pen. Although the handwriting wasn't the best, it was still upright and festive, attracting many early-rising neighbors to watch and praise him.

In the middle and back courtyards, almost every woman who could lend a hand spontaneously gathered to help. Washing vegetables, picking vegetables, cutting meat, kneading dough, borrowing tables and chairs, arranging the yard... laughter and chatter filled the air, busy yet orderly. Qin Huairu, He Daqing's new wife, was among them. Wearing a new cotton-padded jacket bought for her by He Damin, she deftly washed a large basin of vegetables by the sink, a gentle yet satisfied smile on her face. She had only been married for a little over a month, and her heart was filled with gratitude and awe for her resourceful and generous brother-in-law. He Daqing's success today, and her own grand marriage into the city, were all thanks to this brother-in-law. Today was his wedding day, and naturally, she wanted to do her best.

He Daqing himself was extremely busy, calmly directing operations in the makeshift open-air kitchen that occupied half of the courtyard. He returned to his old profession, displaying the air of a former head chef from the steel mill canteen. Several apprentices borrowed from Hongbinlou Restaurant assisted him. Half a large, fatty pork hung on a rack, while various kinds of chicken, duck, fish, meat, and seasonal vegetables were piled high. The air was filled with the rich aroma of oil, spices, and rising steam, whetting everyone's appetite.

The courtyard house, now devoid of the old deaf woman's sinister scheming, Yi Zhonghai's hypocritical manipulation, and the melancholic nagging of the old woman, seems to have become much fresher and brighter. Uncle Liu Haizhong, the second uncle, paces around the courtyard with his hands behind his back. Though still sporting a protruding belly and an air of authority, he wears a smile, occasionally pointing out the arrangement of tables and chairs, enjoying the sense of authority of the "managing master." Xu Wude smiles as he helps move things and hang red ribbons; his wife, Shi Zhenxiang, has also returned from the Lou family's absence to help. Even Jia Zhangshi, usually the most mean and difficult, is now much more restrained, only daring to peek secretly from behind her own curtain, muttering to herself in hushed tones, afraid of being overheard. Her son, Jia Dongxu, is still troubled by finding a wife, feeling resentful and helpless compared to the successive weddings of the He brothers. Under the new order jointly maintained by Liu Haizhong, Xu Wude, He Daqing, Yan Bugui, and others, Jia Zhangshi's old tricks of throwing tantrums and making a scene have lost their appeal.

The happiest were the children in the courtyard. Dressed in clean, though not new, clothes, they darted and chased each other around the busy adults, their little faces beaming with festive excitement. They knew that Uncle He (or Grandpa He, a name arbitrarily based on seniority) was celebrating a great day, and he had declared that everyone in the courtyard, regardless of age, could join in the feast! This was unprecedented! Usually, when someone had a celebration, only one representative would be sent, and the children could only watch longingly as the food smelled delicious and scavenge for scraps. Uncle He had said he had no shortage of money or food; he just wanted a lively and joyous occasion! This news had spread throughout the courtyard, making the children eagerly anticipate this day.

Around nine o'clock in the morning, a deep engine roar broke the tranquility of the alleyway as it approached. A brand-new, military-green Willys Jeep, adorned with a large red ribbon on its hood, came to a steady stop outside the gate of No. 95 courtyard!

This was a rare sight! Cars were already scarce on the streets of Beijing, and privately owned jeeps were even rarer! Immediately, adults and children alike flocked to the door to see what was going on.

The car door opened, and He Damin, dressed in a sharp dark blue woolen Zhongshan suit, shiny black leather shoes, and with neat short hair (trimmed specially for the wedding), handsome face, and upright posture, stepped out of the driver's seat. Sunlight fell on him, and his gentle temperament, refined by his Nascent Soul cultivation, blended with today's joyous atmosphere, making him appear even more extraordinary.

This Jeep was, of course, the one he had retrieved from the Taiji Space. A few days ago, under the pretext that the "Red Star Vehicle Repair Service Station," which was under construction, needed an official vehicle, he used Director Yang Chengdong's old connections to register it with the Public Security Bureau and put it under the service station's name. He would indeed have to find a way to get fuel coupons himself, but that wasn't a problem for him. The gasoline stored in his small world was enough for the car to run for a long time, and he could also get more through "special channels" later.

"Wow! Master He! This car is really impressive!"

"Uncle Damin, are you driving this car?"

"Brother He, congratulations!"

Amidst exclamations of surprise and congratulations, He Damin nodded to everyone, his gaze sweeping over the newly renovated east courtyard gate, over the busy and joyous crowd inside, and finally landing on the still-wet ink of the celebratory couplets that Yan Bugui had just pasted up. A genuine smile appeared on his lips.

Without delay, surrounded by He Yuzhu (who had taken the day off) and several young men, he got back into the car. He Yuzhu sat in the passenger seat, excitedly and nervously touching the interior of the jeep. The car started again, and amidst the envious gazes of the children in the alley and the crackling of the first string of thousand-shot firecrackers lit by the firecracker handler (Yan Bugui's son, Yan Jiecheng), it headed towards Zhengyangmen to pick up his bride.

The wedding procession went smoothly and was lively. Chen Xueru's family had also made preparations well in advance. Although not as numerous as the guests at the courtyard house, there were still many close relatives and friends present. The arrival of the jeep caused another sensation. Chen Xueru, dressed in a bright red brocade cheongsam, with her hair styled in an exquisite updo and adorned with pearl jewelry given to her by He Damin, was so beautiful that no one could look away. Amidst her mother's tearful yet smiling gaze and the teasing voices of her sisters, He Damin led her by the hand and placed her in the passenger seat. Her dowry—several heavy trunks (containing share documents of the silk shop, gold and silver valuables, clothing for all seasons, etc.)—was pulled by several pedicabs following behind.

Jeeps led the way, followed by a convoy of tricycles, creating a striking scene on the bright spring streets of Beijing. Passersby turned to look, wondering whose joyous occasion this was.

Back in Nanluoguxiang, firecrackers exploded, and red confetti rained down like a shower of flowers. He Damin, holding Chen Xueru's hand, stepped over the burning brazier at the entrance (symbolizing a prosperous future) and entered the gate of courtyard number 95. Amid cheers and applause, the newlyweds walked through the central courtyard and into the brightly lit and newly renovated east courtyard.

The wedding ceremony did not entirely follow traditional customs. Witnessed by street office officials (who were also invited to the banquet), a simple yet solemn modern wedding ceremony was held. Yan Bugui, as the master of ceremonies, unusually refrained from using pedantry; his words were simple yet full of blessings. The newlyweds bowed and offered tea to Chen's mother (who sat at the head of the table, constantly wiping away tears of joy) and to He Daqing (representing the groom's parents as the eldest brother). He Daqing accepted the tea from his sister-in-law, his hands trembling slightly, repeatedly saying "Good, good," his eyes also becoming moist. He thought of his deceased wife, Bingxin; if she were here, how happy she would be to see her brother getting married today.

After the ceremony, the grand feast began!

Twenty large round tables were set up in the middle courtyard, the front courtyard, and even the garden in the east wing! Disposable red plastic sheets (rare finds from He Damin's spatial dimension) covered the tables, and the bowls, chopsticks, cups, and saucers were all newly purchased. He Daqing and his apprentices pulled out all the stops, serving up a stream of impressive dishes: braised pork knuckle, four-happiness meatballs, whole chicken and fish, braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens, braised sea cucumber with scallions (using dried goods provided by He Damin)... The vegetarian dishes were also exquisitely prepared, with a perfect balance of hot and cold, meat and vegetables. There was plenty of white steamed buns, and loose bottles of baijiu, erguotou, and several cases of bottled beer (storage from his spatial dimension, labels already removed) were also readily available.

He Damin indeed kept his word and didn't follow the rule of one representative per family. Everyone in the courtyard, young and old, whoever came, found a seat. The children even had their own tables, eating with gusto, their little faces shining, chattering away, happier than during the New Year. The adults clinked glasses, laughing and exchanging blessings. Even Yan Bugui, usually the most calculating, let loose today, drinking a few more glasses, his face flushed as he played drinking games. Liu Haizhong, holding a wine glass, went around toasting as "Second Uncle" and "liaison officer," enjoying what he considered the "stars surrounding the moon." Xu Wude pulled He Daqing aside, reminiscing about the fun times at the steel mill. Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu also sat at a table in the corner, heads down, eating. Jia Zhangshi looked at the table full of delicious food and the lively scene, her eyes filled with complex emotions, which ultimately turned into chewing even harder.

He Damin, accompanied by Chen Xueru, went from table to table toasting. He remained a man of few words, but his smile was warm and genuine. Chen Xueru, on the other hand, was poised and radiant, following He Damin in addressing the various elderly neighbors, drawing praise from all who complimented her. When she reached the children's table, she was surrounded by a group of little ones calling her "New Auntie." With He Damin's permission, she distributed the abundant candy, peanuts, and melon seeds she had prepared to the children, eliciting cheers from them.

As the sun set, the banquet gradually came to an end. The women who had helped began to clean up the mess, while the men gathered together to drink tea and smoke, reminiscing about the day's feast. The children, their pockets stuffed with candy, were still chasing and playing in the yard, reluctant to go home.

In the new house in the east courtyard, red candles burned brightly, and large red "double happiness" characters were pasted on the walls. He Damin and Chen Xueru saw off the last group of young people who were going to make a ruckus in the bridal chamber (mainly Zhu Zi and his gang of teenagers, who didn't dare to really cause trouble), and closed the courtyard gate.

The noise subsided, leaving only the warm glow of the lamplight and the lingering aroma of food and wine in the courtyard. Chen Xueru nestled against He Damin's shoulder, gazing at the double happiness silhouette cast by the flickering candlelight on the windowpane, her face flushed with happiness.

"Brother He," she called softly, for the first time formally and with the dependence of a wife, "we...have a home now."

He Damin put his arm around her shoulder, feeling the real warmth and weight in his arms, and looked out at the quiet night sky.

"Yes," he replied, his voice low and firm.

Home. This word had once seemed so distant to him. Now, in this courtyard he had rebuilt with his own hands, beside this radiant woman, it had become so concrete and real.

The chill of spring has not completely dissipated, but the room in the east courtyard, Chunxi, is already so warm.