Courtyard House: Ten-year-old Master Zhu reorganizes the entire courtyard

# A message to readers

Reborn, I am no longer that silly Zhu who was sucked dry his blood his whole life.

This time, I'm going to lead my whole family to live a decent life.

The author is an idiot, yes, an idiot Bo Yi. I've already cursed him, so you guys shouldn't.

---

He Yuzhu opened his eyes.

He was holding a steamed bun in his hand. The bun was still warm.

A groan came from the inner room. The sound was intermittent, like someone was choking someone.

He Yuzhu paused for a second.

Memories flood my mind. 2025, a hospital bed, the smell of disinfectant. 1945, Beiping (Beijing), a sudden cold snap in early spring. Ten years old. Mother is having a difficult childbirth. Father He Daqing is cooking for the Japanese commander at Fengzeyuan Restaurant.

He was reborn. Reborn on the very morning his mother was about to die.

"Zhu'er..."

A weak voice came from the inner room.

He Yuzhu turned and rushed inside. He ran very fast; his ten-year-old body wasn't used to it, but he didn't care.

Mother Chen Lanxiang lay on the kang (a heated brick bed). Her face was as white as paper. Sweat plastered her hair to her forehead. Her belly was swollen high, and she gripped the edge of the kang, her knuckles white.

"daughter."

He Yuzhu's voice trembled slightly. He hadn't uttered that word in a long time.

"Go...go to Fengzeyuan, call your father..." After saying this, Chen Lanxiang curled up, and a suppressed sob escaped her throat.

He Yuzhu didn't move.

He remembered. In his past life, he had gone to Fengzeyuan. The Japanese commander was eating, and there were guards at the door, so he couldn't get in. He stood outside in the cold for two hours, waiting for He Daqing to come out. When he rushed home, his mother was already dead. His younger sister hadn't been born either.

I can't go this time.

He needs to find another doctor. Peking Union Medical College Hospital is closed. Midwives are useless; all the old women know how to do is ask whether to save the mother or the baby.

What should I do?

Just then, a voice rang in his mind. Not a voice, but information that appeared directly in his consciousness.

[Fate Choice System successfully bound.]

[Beginner Event: Save Mother.]

[Option A: Go to Fengzeyuan to find your father, He Daqing.]

Risk: 40% chance of encountering a Japanese patrol, 100% chance of being driven away. The father may not be able to escape.

Potential benefits: None.

[Option B: Trust your neighbor and ask Jia Zhangshi to fetch a midwife.]

Risk: Jia Zhangshi has a 100% chance of delaying and will steal the eggs and brown sugar from your dresser.

Potential benefits: None. But it will make the whole hospital think you are "still a child".

[Option C: Head to Dongtangzi Hutong to find Lin Wanqiu, the renowned obstetrician.]

Risk: 75% chance of encountering Japanese troops for inspection on the road. Lin Wanqiu may not be at the clinic.

Potential Benefit Preview: [Screenshot: A woman in a white coat pushes a box of Western medicine in front of you in dim lighting.]

He Yuzhu finished reading it.

System? Choice? He didn't have time to think it through. But he believed the preview screen. Western medicine, in 1945 Beiping, was more precious than gold.

I choose C.

He thought to himself.

[Selection confirmed.]

[Hint: Lin Wanqiu is at the clinic today. But she hasn't seen any strangers. You need a reason, or an emergency she can believe in.]

He Yuzhu turned and ran outside.

"Zhu'er! Where...where are you going?" Chen Lanxiang called from behind.

"Mother! Hang in there! I'll get a doctor!" He Yuzhu said without turning his head.

He rushed out of the main house. There was snow in the yard. He didn't look. He ran straight to the east wing and banged on the door.

"Aunt Yi! Aunt Yi, open the door!"

The door opened. Yi Li was wearing an old cotton-padded coat, her face unwashed.

"Pillar? What's wrong?"

"My mother is about to give birth! My father isn't here! Please go and help look after her for a moment! Just for a moment!" He Yuzhu spoke very quickly.

Yi Li's expression changed.

"Oh dear! I'll go right now! Go and call Sister-in-law Jia, tell her to go and fetch the midwife!"

"good!"

He Yuzhu ran to the Jia family's house across the street. Just as he raised his hand, Jia Zhangshi's voice came from inside.

"Who is it! So early in the morning!"

"Aunt Jia! It's me, Zhu Zi! My mother is about to give birth, and Aunt Yi asked you to help me call a midwife!"

There was silence for a few seconds. Then came a rustling sound.

The door opened a crack. Jia Zhangshi's face, with its high cheekbones, came into view. Her eyes swept over He Yuzhu, then glanced towards the main room of the He family.

"Zhu Zi...didn't your father leave any money when he passed away? Hiring a midwife costs money."

He Yuzhu cursed inwardly. At a time like this, he was still thinking about money.

"My father left! You must go quickly, my mother can't wait any longer!"

"How much did you keep?" Madam Jia persisted.

"Zhang Ruhua!"

The sound of the cane hitting the ground.

The deaf old lady, supported by Xu Zhao, stood in the middle courtyard. Her hair was neatly combed, her face taut, staring at Jia Zhangshi.

"A life is at stake! What are you dawdling for? Go now!"

Jia Zhangshi shrank her neck.

"Oh, old lady, I'm going right now, I'm going right now." She wrapped her tattered cotton-padded coat tighter, turned around, and walked towards the front yard. She walked reluctantly.

The deaf old lady looked at He Yuzhu.

"Zhu Zi, go stay in Dong Xu's room, it's cold outside."

"No, Madam," He Yuzhu shook his head, "I still have to go call my father."

"What are you calling me 'Dad' for!" The old woman slammed her cane down again. "There are Japanese soldiers outside! Are you trying to get yourself killed? Come back here!"

He Yuzhu didn't listen.

He turned and ran towards the gate.

"Zhu Zi! Come back! Dong Xu! Stop him!" the old lady shouted.

Jia Dongxu peeked out of his house. He was slow to react, and by the time he chased after He Yuzhu, she had already disappeared.

He Yuzhu left the courtyard house.

The streets were deserted. A gust of wind swept by, carrying snowflakes. He hunched his shoulders. His cotton-padded coat wasn't thick enough.

He needs to get a car. Running on foot won't be fast enough.

There was a rickshaw at the entrance of the alley. The driver, who was in his fifties, had a face red from the cold and was squatting by the rickshaw with his hands tucked in.

"Sir, go to Dongtangzi Alley."

The driver looked up at him and waved his hand.

"No, no. That area is chaotic, and Japanese soldiers keep coming there. I'm not going."

He Yuzhu pulled out the white steamed bun from his pocket. Then he took out a silver dollar. It was a sign-in bonus, only two dollars.

"Double the fare. And this steamed bun is for you too. My mother is having a difficult childbirth and is dying. Please."

The driver stared at the steamed buns. White flour buns. In those days, the Japanese controlled white rice and white flour; ordinary families could hardly ever see them.

The driver swallowed hard. He looked at the steamed bun, then at the silver dollar, and then at He Yuzhu.

"Who...who is your father?"

"My father is He Daqing, the head chef at Fengzeyuan Restaurant. Since you've given me this favor, I'll have my father give you a discount when your family needs anything in the future."

The driver hesitated. Three seconds. Five seconds.

He grabbed the steamed bun and stuffed it into his pocket.

"Get in the car."

He Yuzhu jumped into the car.

"Hurry! The faster the better!"

The car wheels started turning. He Yuzhu sat in the car, mentally calculating the time. About fifteen minutes had passed since he woke up. How much longer could his mother hold on? He didn't know. He could only hurry.

The wind stung his face. It hurt. He didn't care.

He closed his eyes and tried to recall the system panel in his mind.

A semi-transparent interface appears.

**[Host: He Yuzhu]**

**[Age: 10 years old]**

**[Current Event: Saving Mother (In Progress)]**

**Estimated Remaining Time: 38 minutes**

**[WARNING: Failure to complete the mission by the deadline will result in mission failure and the storyline reverting to its original course.]**

Thirty-eight minutes.

He Yuzhu opened his eyes.

"Sir! Faster!"

"Go fast enough! The road is slippery!" the driver shouted.

The car turned into the coal cinder alley. Narrow. Thick snow.

As soon as he turned in, He Yuzhu heard the sound of leather boots crunching in the snow.

Click. Click. Click.

Neat. Heavy.

His heart sank.

"parking!"

Three figures in khaki hues emerged from the other end of the alley. The bayonets of their Type 38 rifles gleamed in the snow. The leader was a corporal, short and stocky, with bowlegs.

The driver was startled. He abruptly stopped the car.

He Yuzhu jumped out of the car.

"Pass!" the corporal shouted in broken Chinese, his bayonet pointing at He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu raised his hand. He had nothing in his hand.

"Kid! Pass!" The corporal took two steps forward.

The driver suddenly screamed.

"Sir! He...he has steamed buns! He just gave them to me!"

The driver pointed at He Yuzhu, his finger trembling. He wanted to clear himself of any involvement.

The corporal's eyes lit up. He stared at He Yuzhu, then at the driver.

"Hand over the steamed buns!"

The driver hurriedly pulled the steamed bun from his pocket. The bun was already slightly deformed from his squeezing. He handed it over with both hands.

The corporal took the steamed bun and smelled it. He smiled, revealing his yellow teeth.

Then he looked at He Yuzhu.

"You have one too. Hand it over."

He Yuzhu didn't move. He only had that silver dollar in his pocket. But he couldn't hand it over. If he did, the driver probably wouldn't take him anymore.

"I didn't," He Yuzhu said.

"Search!" the corporal waved to the two soldiers behind him.

A Japanese soldier walked over and reached out to grab He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu moved.

Despite his ten-year-old body, he possessed considerable strength. The newbie reward from the daily login system included a enhancement potion, which he drank last night. Now, his physical abilities were approaching those of an adult male.

He sidestepped the Japanese soldier's hand. Then he raised his foot and kicked the soldier in the shin.

Caught off guard, the Japanese soldier cried out in pain and knelt on one knee.

He Yuzhu didn't stop. He lunged at the sergeant.

The corporal reacted quickly, thrusting his bayonet forward.

He Yuzhu ducked, the bayonet slicing past his head. He crashed into the corporal's arms, his right elbow slamming into the man's chest.

A muffled thud.

The corporal was sent flying backward and crashed into the snow. He lay still.

The remaining Japanese soldier panicked and pulled the bolt back on his rifle.

He Yuzhu picked up the bayonet from the ground. He had never used a bayonet before, but the "Bajiquan (Max Level)" skill provided by the system included the use of short weapons.

He rushed forward. The Japanese soldiers had just raised their guns.

He Yuzhu's bayonet plunged into the enemy's throat.

Pull it out. Blood spurts out.

Just as the Japanese soldier kneeling on the ground got up, He Yuzhu stabbed him in the back with a backhand.

It's quiet now.

The driver was stunned. He looked at He Yuzhu, then at the three corpses on the ground. He opened his mouth, wanting to scream.

He Yuzhu turned around and looked at him.

The driver turned and ran.

He Yuzhu swung the bayonet in his hand. The bayonet flew out and pierced the driver's back.

The driver collapsed. He twitched twice, then lay still.

He Yuzhu stood there, panting. The cold air felt like needles pricking his lungs when he inhaled it.

He killed four people. Three of them were Japanese soldiers.

He had no time to regret it. He went over and touched each of the Japanese soldiers.

Bullets. Compressed biscuits. Pass. A pocket watch. A few Japanese military notes.

He waved. The body vanished. The rickshaw vanished too. Everything was stored in the system space. The space had a capacity of one thousand cubic meters, more than enough to hold all of this.

Only blood remained on the ground. The blood on the snow was a glaringly red.

He Yuzhu turned and ran out of the alley. He had to continue to Dongtangzi Alley. There were no more cars, so he had to run.

He runs very fast. He has a strengthened physique and good endurance.

Ten minutes later, he stood at the door of No. 37 Dongtangzi Hutong.

A broken wooden sign that reads "Jisheng Clinic." The paint has all peeled off.

He Yuzhu knocked on the door.

"Dr. Lin! Help!"

no response.

He took another picture.

"Dr. Lin! Open the door! Someone needs help!"

Footsteps sounded from inside the door. The door opened a crack. A woman's face appeared. She was in her thirties, with short, shoulder-length hair, a pale complexion, and bright eyes.

"Who?"

"My mother is having a difficult childbirth! She's going to die! Please come and see her!" He Yuzhu said.

Lin Wanqiu looked him over. A child. Covered in snow, his face red from the cold, and breathing rapidly.

"Where's your dad?"

"My father works at Fengzeyuan, cooking for the Japanese. He can't come back."

Lin Wanqiu frowned slightly.

"where?"

No. 95 Nanluoguxiang.

Lin Wanqiu remained silent for two seconds.

"Come in."

She opened the door. He Yuzhu went in.

The clinic was cold. The medicine cabinet was half empty. Some medical equipment was laid out on the table.

Lin Wanqiu quickly packed a small leather suitcase. It contained a stethoscope, scissors, gauze, and several small bottles.

"How long has your mother been in labor?"

"It's been more than half an hour."

"Have you started bleeding?"

"I've met you."

Lin Wanqiu paused for a moment. She glanced at He Yuzhu.

"You seem to know quite a bit."

She picked up the suitcase.

"lead the way."

"Do you have a car?" He Yuzhu asked.

"no."

"Then... I'll carry you on my back."

Lin Wanqiu was stunned for a moment. She looked at He Yuzhu. A ten-year-old child, saying he would carry her and run.

"You can't carry it."

"I can carry it," He Yuzhu said confidently. "My mother can't wait any longer."

Lin Wanqiu looked at him for two more seconds.

"Let's go."

The two went outside. The snow was still falling.

He Yuzhu squatted down.

"Come up."

Lin Wanqiu hesitated for a moment, then climbed onto his back. She was very light.

He Yuzhu stood up and ran.

He ran steadily. His speed wasn't slow. Lin Wanqiu gripped the suitcase tightly, remaining silent.

He Yuzhu deliberately chose side roads, avoiding main roads and areas where Japanese troops might patrol.

He ran across two streets and turned into a narrow alley.

Suddenly, he stopped.

At the other end of the alley stood two people. They were wearing black leather uniforms, detectives. They were smoking and chatting.

He Yuzhu put Lin Wanqiu down.

"Step back."

Lin Wanqiu retreated to the wall.

Two detectives spotted them.

"Stop! What are you doing!" someone shouted.

He Yuzhu walked forward.

"Kid, I'm asking you a question!" another person walked over.

He Yuzhu didn't answer. He sped up and rushed over.

The first detective reached out to grab him. He Yuzhu grabbed the man's wrist, twisted it, and kicked him in the back of the knee.

The other person screamed and fell to the ground.

The second one drew his gun. He Yuzhu was even faster. He took out a bayonet from his system space and plunged it into the man's stomach.

Draw the sword. Stab again.

Both detectives fell down.

He Yuzhu bent down and rummaged through their clothes. Two Mauser pistols, some bullets, and a few banknotes. He took them all.

Lin Wanqiu looked at him. Her face turned even paler. But she didn't say anything.

He Yuzhu walked back.

"continue."

He carried Lin Wanqiu on his back and ran out of the alley.

Five minutes later, they stood at the entrance of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang.

The courtyard gate was closed.

He Yuzhu put Lin Wanqiu down and knocked on the door.

"Open the door! Aunt Yi! Open the door!"

The door opened. Yi Li's face appeared. She saw He Yuzhu, and then she saw Lin Wanqiu.

"Zhu Zi! You...you found a doctor?"

"Get out of the way!"

He Yuzhu pulled Lin Wanqiu inside.

Inside the courtyard, Jia Zhangshi was squatting at the entrance of the He family's house, talking to someone inside.

"Lanxiang, not to be rude, but Granny Wang said you should save one. But I say, save the younger one! A son is the most important!"

"Zhang Ruhua! Shut up!" Chen Lanxiang's weak but angry voice came from inside.

The deaf old woman stood to one side, leaning on her cane, her face dark.

He Yuzhu rushed over.

"Get out of the way!"

Jia Zhangshi turned around and saw He Yuzhu and Lin Wanqiu.

"Hey, Pillar's back? Who's this?"

"Doctor." He Yuzhu pushed her aside and opened the door.

Lin Wanqiu went inside.

The room reeked of blood. Chen Lanxiang lay on the kang (a heated brick bed), half of the quilt beneath her stained red. Granny Wang stood beside her, her hands covered in blood.

"Who are you?" Granny Wang asked.

"Doctor," Lin Wanqiu put down the box, "Hot water, clean towels. Quickly."

Granny Wang looked at He Yuzhu. He Yuzhu nodded.

"Listen to her."

Yi Li quickly went to fetch hot water.

Lin Wanqiu washed her hands and dried them. She walked to the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), lifted the quilt, and took a look.

Her brows furrowed.

"The baby is in an abnormal position. Transverse lie."

"Can it be correct?" He Yuzhu asked.

"I'll try." Lin Wanqiu placed her hand on Chen Lanxiang's stomach. "Big sister, bear with it. If it hurts, just scream, don't hold it in."

Chen Lanxiang nodded. Her lip was bleeding from biting it.

Lin Wanqiu began to push. Her technique was steady, but her strength was considerable.

Chen Lanxiang screamed in agony.

He Yuzhu clenched his fists. He didn't go out. He stared.

She pushed for about two minutes. Sweat beaded on Lin Wanqiu's forehead.

"Alright. It's back to normal." She breathed a sigh of relief. "Now, she has to give birth naturally. She's too weak. Is there anything to eat?"

"There's brown sugar water," said Ms. Yi.

"Feed her. Boil a few more eggs. Quickly."

Yi Li went to boil eggs.

He Yuzhu walked to the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) and took Chen Lanxiang's hand.

"Mom, it's alright now. The doctor is here. Push harder."

Chen Lanxiang looked at him, tears streaming down her face.

"Zhu'er... Mother... Mother is probably not going to make it..."

"You can do it." He Yuzhu's voice was steady. "You'll have to watch me get married and watch Yushui grow up."

Chen Lanxiang cried. But she nodded.

Lin Wanqiu gave instructions. Granny Wang helped. Yi Li fed the baby brown sugar water.

About ten minutes later.

Lin Wanqiu shouted, "I can see the head! Push harder! Push a little harder!"

Chen Lanxiang screamed.

He Yuzhu gripped her hand tightly.

Then, a baby cried.

"Wow—wow—"

Loud and clear.

"It's a girl! Mother and daughter are safe!" Granny Wang shouted.

He Yuzhu released his grip. He took a step back and leaned against the wall.

It became.

He saved her.

Lin Wanqiu handled the aftermath. She cut the umbilical cord and wrapped the baby. Her movements were practiced and efficient.

He Yuzhu walked out. Outside the door, the deaf old lady stood.

"Pillar."

"Mrs."

"Where did you find that doctor?"

"Dongtangzi Hutong"

"Nothing happened?"

"We ran into them. We've resolved it," He Yuzhu said.

The deaf old woman stared at him for several seconds.

"When your father comes back, you need to talk to him clearly."

"I know."

Lin Wanqiu came out of the room. She was wiping her hands.

"The baby is fine. The mother lost a lot of blood and needs to rest. She shouldn't move around too much these few days and should eat well."

"Thank you." He Yuzhu bowed.

"Consultation fee," Lin Wanqiu said.

He Yuzhu took the silver dollar out of his pocket.

"Just one piece?"

"I'll make it up when my dad gets back."

Lin Wanqiu accepted the silver dollar. She glanced at He Yuzhu.

"You just killed two members of the detective squad."

"They're blocking the way."

"Aren't you afraid?"

"I'm afraid. But my mother is more important to me."

Lin Wanqiu remained silent.

"What's your name?"

"He Yuzhu. Just call me Zhuzi."

"Zhu Zi." Lin Wanqiu nodded. "I've got it. If you need anything in the future, you can come to the clinic to find me. Of course, it's best if there's nothing wrong."

She picked up the suitcase.

"I'll see you off," He Yuzhu said.

"No need. You take care of your mother." Lin Wanqiu walked out.

He Yuzhu saw her to the door and watched her walk away.

He went back inside. Chen Lanxiang was asleep. Her face was still pale, but her breathing was steady.

A small swaddled blanket was placed beside her. Inside was a tiny, wrinkled baby.

He Yuzhu walked over and took a look.

His sister. He Yushui.

In this life, he saved her.

He walked out of the main house. In the courtyard, Jia Zhangshi came over.

"Zhu Zi, how much does the doctor charge? Do you have the money? Do you want me to lend you some? We can negotiate the interest."

He Yuzhu looked at her.

"Aunt Jia."

"Why."

"roll."

Jia Zhangshi was stunned.

"How...how can you talk like that!"

"Get out," He Yuzhu said again. His eyes were cold.

Madam Jia opened her mouth, but no words came out. She snorted, turned around, and went back into the house.

He Yuzhu stood in the courtyard. The snow was still falling.

A system notification sounded in his mind.

[Newbie Event: Saving Mother - Completed.]

[Rewards being processed...]

You have obtained: Lin Wanqiu's "Life and Death Contract" (one-time use).

[Effect: When you or a close relative is in critical condition, you can unconditionally summon Lin Wanqiu to provide full medical assistance once.]

[You have unlocked a hidden message fragment: [Late at night, Lin Wanqiu is polishing a delicate little pistol. Opposite her sits a man in a long robe, his back indistinct.]]

[You have triggered a follow-up choice: [Do you want to investigate Lin Wanqiu's other identity?]]

【whether】

He Yuzhu looked at the choice.

He wasn't in a hurry to choose.

He went back inside and closed the door.

My mother and sister were both on the kang (a heated brick bed).

He sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed).

In this life, he will never let this family fall apart again.

No one will do.