Courtyard Houses: Longevity Since the War of Resistance

In the middle of the night, a phone rang somewhere in Beijing.

"Could you please find Teacher Renzi?" After a brief electrical hum, the voice with a Hushi accent rang out.

"Xiao Duan, still not resting?"

"Teacher, you haven't rested either. Here in Hong Kong, a few bugs are making a lot of noise, but they're really annoying."

"What are your thoughts?" Teacher Ren asked directly.

Li Feng had already made up his mind: "Teacher, there's no need to persuade or stop me. They want freedom and uniqueness, right? Fine, we'll give them that, we'll give them everything."

"Oh? How will you give it to me?"

"Issue a public announcement stating that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, and we welcome everyone who agrees. But if someone feels they are not of the same mind as us, or that the system and culture here cannot accommodate their noble ideals, that's fine. We respect individual choices. If you want to leave, you can leave now. We'll give you a fast track to process your citizenship change procedures, and we will absolutely not make things difficult for you."

He paused, then added the most crucial sentence: "But! Once you leave, don't even think about coming back. The doors of Country Z are closed to this person from now on."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone before Teacher Renzi's voice came through, "So you're trying to carry out a purge, but it's just making them purge themselves."

"That's right," Li Feng affirmed. "Those who genuinely want to cause trouble will inevitably become a threat sooner or later. Rather than letting them remain inside like festering sores, causing disgusting incidents every now and then, it's better to let them come out on their own and clear them out all at once. Those who are willing to trust us are the true core support. The positions and resources vacated by those who leave can be given to more reliable people."

"What about public opinion? Won't people say we're not inclusive enough and are forcing people to leave?"

"Tolerance is for our fellow countrymen. If they don't consider themselves our fellow countrymen, why should we be tolerant?" Li Feng said bluntly. "Besides, the choice is in their hands. We won't force them to stay or drive them away. Whether they stay or leave is their own choice. Once they've made their choice, they'll bear the consequences. How can you have it all?"

"Hahaha..." Teacher Ren laughed on the other end of the phone.

"Your logic is solid and clear. Fine, I think that's fine. Let's cut the Gordian knot and let those who were used as pawns settle their own scores."

He stopped laughing. "Xiao Duan, let's follow your line of thinking. I'll have someone in Hong Kong come up with a concrete plan."

"Thank you, teacher," Li Feng replied.

"Also," Teacher Renzi added, as if remembering something, before hanging up, "did you speak to the You family last time? Has there been any news about their second son since he went back?"

"I'm about to visit his home," Li Feng replied.

"Yes, just be careful. Old Man You has a huge thirst for power, but he's not capable enough and doesn't have any capable subordinates, so he often makes a mess of things. Your captain handled him very well; you should learn from him."

"yes!"

The announcement was released at 10:00 AM the following day through all official mainstream media channels in Hong Kong. There was no pre-launch hype, no build-up; it was just dropped directly, with a very straightforward headline.

Explanation on Guaranteeing Residents' Freedom of Choice and Clarifying Relevant Rights and Obligations.

The content wasn't long, but every point was like a hammer blow:

I. We are determined to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and fully protect the legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents.

II. Respect for everyone's right to choose. Any resident who wishes to leave Hong Kong due to disagreement with the country, unwillingness to abide by basic legal systems, or perceived ideological differences may apply to designated agencies for expedited processing of nationality and household registration changes, effective immediately. Procedures are simplified and processing is limited to a specified timeframe.

Third, anyone who voluntarily changes their nationality and renounces their Z nationality through this route will automatically lose all rights as a Z citizen. In accordance with relevant laws, they and their immediate family members will be permanently barred from entering or settling in any region of Z (including Hong Kong and Macau) in any form.

The announcement caused an uproar throughout Hong Kong.

The quickest to react were the loudest slogan-mongers and their supporters, as well as the shrewd individuals who had already been scrambling to escape. The announcement's clause about being permanently barred from entry punctured the fragile hope in many people's hearts; once they left, they truly wouldn't be able to return.

Ordinary people who have feelings for this land and a sense of national identity felt relieved after watching it.

"Finally, some peace and quiet."

"Those useless youths should leave quickly, don't keep everyone from getting through their lives."

"Yeah, if our country hadn't driven the Japanese out, would these people be living such a comfortable life?"

Most people just want a peaceful and stable life. Interestingly, the reaction from Country Y was remarkable; certain politicians and media outlets in the LD (China's) almost immediately grasped the message within hours of the announcement.

The statement was quickly released: "We respect everyone's freedom of choice. For those forced to leave Hong Kong for ideological reasons, the Great Y Empire, based on humanitarian spirit and historical ties, will open its arms and provide a fast track to citizenship and necessary resettlement assistance."

They speak eloquently, but behind the scenes they're scheming meticulously.

In their view, this was a golden opportunity! They could both receive a group of high-quality immigrants who harbored resentment towards China and use this as a platform to create a tragic narrative of forced exile, thus building a positive image internationally.

Once the policies from both sides were aligned, everything was fine, and the channel was fully opened.

Over the next few days, long queues formed outside several designated offices in Hong Kong. The processing speed was indeed fast; with complete documents, the process was reviewed on the spot, and a certificate of consent for the change of nationality and departure was quickly obtained. With this certificate, one could then apply for a expedited citizenship assessment at the corresponding agency in Country Y.

Newspapers and television were filled with related reports and debates, with supporters calling it a victory for free will. Opponents denounced it as a purge of dissidents, but in any case, a clear dividing line was drawn.

Just as the breakup procedures were being handled in a noisy manner outside, Li Feng appeared at the entrance of a Chinese-style mansion in a prime location on the hilltop.

U+

Not long after the announcement was made, an elderly man in a Zhongshan suit, supported by his family, personally greeted them at the second gate. The old man looked to be in his seventies or eighties, with only a few strands of white hair, but sharp eyes and a straight back. He was none other than Old Man You, the former leader of Chiang Kai-shek's army and the current leader of the You family.

Following behind him was Youwang, who had fled back in a sorry state that night. He was now looking down, not daring to look at Li Feng.

"Your presence is an honor to welcome me. Please forgive my lack of hospitality." Old Man You bowed.

"Mr. You're too kind. Duan Zhenghong has been too presumptuous in disturbing you," Li Feng returned the greeting, his expression indifferent.

The group entered the flower hall and took their seats according to their status as guests and hosts. The finest Longjing tea was brewed, its aroma wafting through the air, but the atmosphere in the hall was not as gentle as the fragrance of the tea.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Old Master You waved for everyone else to leave, leaving only You Wang standing by his side. He picked up his teacup, then put it down, finally looking at Li Feng.

"A few days ago, Xiao Sun brought back your message and that special gift. I am very grateful."

These words were spoken in a sarcastic tone. Li Feng blew on the tea foam, took a sip, and looked up at Old Man You: "You are a wise man, why do you have to be so explicit about some things? You should be familiar with the name 'Suppressing Ghosts'."

Old Man You's face was pale, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and he took a deep breath.

"Suppressing Ghosts..." He repeated the name, his fingers tracing the side of the teacup.

"It is indeed familiar. Many things in the last days of that year were related to this name."

He raised his eyes and looked directly at Li Feng: "Back then, those capable officers under my command were recruited by you. The rest of the good-for-nothings were also arrested and reformed. I, You, was politely escorted out of the country; he's the one who let me come to Hong Kong to live out my days in peace. If I remember correctly?"

Li Feng listened quietly, his face expressionless. He simply took another sip of tea, his posture seemingly saying, "So what if it is?"

"So," Old Man You resigned himself to his fate.

"Mr. Duan, is your visit this time because you feel I'm not living a secure life in Hong Kong enough and want to give me another boost? Or is it that you even find the last remaining foundation of my You family an eyesore?"

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became heavy, and Youwang trembled.

Li Feng finally put down his teacup, the porcelain making a click as it hit the wooden table.

"Mr. You, times have changed. You are a smart man and should understand that some paths, once taken, have no turning back. But some paths, if not yet completely blocked out, may still allow for a change of direction."

His gaze swept across Old Man You's face: "What you need to consider now is not the grudges of the past, but what role the You family wants to play in the upcoming drama in Hong Kong."

"Mr. Duan, you are too kind. My You family is now nothing more than stray dogs, barely surviving in a corner of the world. How could we possibly perform on stage?"

"Perform on stage?" Li Feng shook his head slightly. "Old Mr. You is dreaming. The captain once said you're a remnant of the old era; there's no ship for you in the new era."

Every word was clearly pierced into the other person's ears: "The path for the Yu family is to be an audience member, to become a wealthy man, and to live a life of comfort and ease. Isn't that good enough?"

Li Feng drew a red line directly.

"First of all," he said, holding up his index finger, "no member of the Yu family shall ever again be involved in Hong Kong politics. Forget about titles such as legislator or committee member. As for titles like director of a business association or charity council, that's fine as a nominal position."

"Secondly, the doors of Hong Kong to the mainland are open to Youjia. Invest in legitimate businesses there. As long as you abide by the law and regulations, pay your taxes, and handle all necessary matters, no one will make things difficult for you. There are many opportunities; how much you earn depends on your own abilities. This is also the direction Youjia will take going forward."

He paused briefly at this point, then stated the most crucial limitation:

"As for the money you earn, small amounts for daily expenses and your children's future expenses are yours to decide. But large sums of money, especially if you want to move them out..." Li Feng shook his head, "that's unnecessary. After all, we're all family from now on. The meat in the pot should stay in our own bowl; we shouldn't let the wealth go to outsiders, right?"

The three rules are crystal clear.

Old Man You understood, completely understood. The other party not only wanted him to submit, but also wanted to cut off all his chances of making a comeback.

"Rich man"? That sounds nice, but in reality, it's about using a gilded cage to secure his political stage, pinning the You family to the business world and their position, ensuring that their descendants can never touch real power again.

Humiliated and powerless, the thought of resistance only arose for a moment before being shattered by fear and reason.

The person in front of me and his backers have countless ways to make the You family disappear, not even giving them the chance to become wealthy.

His throat bobbed dryly a few times, and finally all his resentment, bitterness, and scheming turned into a weary, aged sigh.

"Why"

"...Mr. Duan, the arrangements are... thoughtful." Every word was squeezed out through clenched teeth.

"Youjia, from now on, just focus on your business and be a responsible and honest wealthy man. We will get on the investment in the mainland as soon as possible. As for Hong Kong, we will absolutely not get involved in any more trouble."

He didn't look at Li Feng again, his gaze blankly fixed on the precious orchid in the corner of the flower hall, as if he were looking at his own withering remaining life.

Li Feng got the promise he wanted.

"Mr. You is a wise man." Li Feng stood up and said no more. "The tea is good. I hope that next time I come, the You family's business will be as flavorful as this tea."

He turned and left, his steps steady, without looking back.

Old Man You sat stiffly in his armchair until the footsteps faded into the distance, then suddenly began to cough, his face turning bright red. You Wang hurriedly stepped forward and patted his back.

"grandfather……"

"Shut up!" Old Man You panted heavily, shoving his grandson aside. His eyes were filled with a sinister glint as he stared in the direction Li Feng had left. "I heard it, everyone heard it. Pass it on. Anyone in the You family who dares to cross this line, I'll personally break their legs and send them away without anyone else lifting a finger."

Stepping out of the You family mansion, night had fallen. Li Feng glanced back at the grand courtyard and lit a cigarette. The old-fashioned tyrants had left the stage; how much real skill did these new actors, who thought they could take the stage, possess?