Siheyuan, don't mess with me

The uncles who had come to kowtow to Chen Zhiguo early in the morning also gathered together when they learned that Chen Dayong had returned this year. The whole courtyard was full of people. The men surrounded the grandfather and talked to Chen Dayong. Chen Dayong also opened two packs of Peony cigarettes in a row before they smoked all the cigarettes!

The women gathered around grandma. Wang Meihua was not good at such situations and was a little overwhelmed. She just kept smiling at the visitors! As for the children, they had already rushed into the room. There were comic books to read!

Chen Xiaoli had already dragged Chen Xiaomei and Chen Xiaoyue to read picture books together, but as more and more children joined, the picture books Chen Xiaoli brought were not enough to share, and for one picture book several children had to read it with their heads touching!

It was not so easy for the brothers and sisters who were older than Chen Zhiguo. Under the instructions of their mothers, they went home to move tables, get stools, and bring bowls and chopsticks over!

Grandma said, don't leave today, everyone should eat at home. Since grandma said so, the wives all started to move! As the village chief, Chen Dalong was not idle either, and kept giving orders. At least eight tables must be set up today. After setting up the tables and chairs, the wives of each family went home to cook. Each family had two dishes. Otherwise, the stove at grandma's house would be too busy to handle it!

After seeing grandma, Chen Zhiguo's mother hid in the kitchen. Chen Zhiguo really didn't understand why she was afraid of grandma. Hadn't she seen grandma scold her?

Chen Zhiguo was not idle either. He took out four strings of 100 small firecrackers, unpacked them and distributed them to the children who could not squeeze into the room and could not read the comic book. This also successfully solved the problem for Chen Xiaoli. The room she was in was really packed! It was no exaggeration to say that there was no place to put your feet!

Fortunately, the "bang" and "bang" sounds of firecrackers outside finally attracted many boys to come out. They shyly took the firecrackers distributed to them by Chen Zhiguo. The cheerful ones called out "little brother", while the shy ones just smiled and ran out of the yard cheering!

Only the girls were still in the room, but the room was no longer like it was just now! Chen Xiaoli was also relieved. She was afraid that these children would fight over and tear up her comic book! As it turned out, her worries were unnecessary. Every child who got the comic book cherished it very much and was very careful!

Although lunch was a little late, it was very lively. Except for two tables in my grandparents' room, all the other people were in the yard. Although the weather was cold, the people at the party were very enthusiastic. The noisy atmosphere and hot mood drove away the coldness of winter!

They were drinking Erguotou brought by Chen Zhiguo. Chen Zhiguo was busy pouring wine for the uncles and young men. Every time he came in front of an elder, Chen Dayong would introduce them to each other, fearing that Chen Zhiguo didn't know them. In fact, the last time when grandpa was drinking, Chen Zhiguo had already remembered them all!

Grandpa took out two large packs of steamed buns and gave one pack to each person. Grandma helped pass them to those who were sitting far away. In this regard, grandpa and grandma were very generous and willing to spend!

Lunch in the yard ended quickly, mainly for children and women, who just ate vegetables and rice! After lunch, the children either continued to read the comic books they had never read before, or went out to play for a while and then came back to take turns to read. This was the idea given by Chen Zhiguo!

The women were busy cleaning up, washing and scrubbing. With more people around, the work went faster. Soon everyone took their belongings and went back home. There was no need to worry about the children. They would go back home when it got dark and they were tired of playing!

As for the gentlemen, who would take care of them? Chen Zhiguo handed each aunt a small cloth bag with some peanuts, melon seeds and candy! The group of women also gathered together to chat!

The wine in the room was drunk very slowly, and most of the time they were chatting. It was a rare opportunity to sit together in a relaxed and comfortable manner! Chen Dayong was also very excited. It was a rare opportunity to return to the village. These people who had played with him since childhood, and some who had played with him since childhood, gathered together and talked about the past. From time to time, they would burst into laughter, and who knows who was talking about someone's embarrassing childhood!

Even if they drank slowly, the ten bottles of Erguotou were gradually empty. Grandpa brought Fenjiu but was stopped. It was given by the eldest grandson as a gift, but they, the old men, were shameless enough to drink it all. They couldn't do this!

So each family's private stash came out. Every time there was no wine, someone would go out and when they came back, you brought half a catty and I brought eight ounces. It didn't matter whether the wine was good or bad, or whether there were good dishes, pickles and dried radishes would do. The point was not to drink, but to chat!

(I have done this before. I was drinking with a group of childhood friends at night. There was still wine, but no food. We drank for most of the night with a small plate of peanuts! I have had countless drinks, but this one is the only one I remember. Now every time my childhood friends get together, we will talk about it! I am also inspired to write this!)

Everyone just wants to sit together, talk, and chat about the past year and imagine what the new year will be like! Either someone's child has grown up and is ready for a blind date, or someone's child is being naughty!

There was no unhappy thing to mention, as if this year had been very comfortable. At this moment, under the smoke, everyone had a smile on their face!

Grandpa had stopped drinking a long time ago, but he didn't leave the table. He stayed with them, listening to them talk and discuss things. Occasionally he would say a few words, but most of the time he was listening!

Grandma didn't leave either. Unlike grandpa, she went around and chatted with each child in a soft voice. But if they didn't do something well, she would scold them or even slap them. But everyone who listened to her was obedient. Even if they were scolded or beaten, they accepted it with a smile!

There are also some naughty ones who joke with her, but grandma doesn’t get angry or annoyed. She is used to it. She treats these people as her own children!

Chen Zhiguo found out today that Chen Dayong could also talk about the city, the steel mill, his car repair, his business trip, the prairie and Gobi Desert he saw along the way! He talked about the local customs and the snacks he had eaten! Some of these brothers of the old man had never been to Yanjing City in their lives. The outside world was strange and curious to them!

When they hear something they don’t understand, they will ask questions; when they hear about beautiful scenery and delicious food, their eyes will reveal longing. Maybe they will never leave Chenjia Village in their entire lives, but through Chen Dayong’s description, they have already outlined their longing in their hearts!

Chen Zhiguo's role today is to serve tea and wine, and be a waiter! He was smiling, not impatient at all, and not a bit irritable! This steadiness is rarely seen in his age group, and it also makes the elders present look at him differently! It is rare that the only college student from Chenjia Village, his own son and nephew, can make them stand up straight when talking to others!

Time always slips away inadvertently. Even if there are endless things to say, there will be a time to drink and go home! Uncle Chen Dalong stood up and started to scold and chase people away!

It was almost four o'clock in the afternoon when the family gathering on New Year's Day ended. At the suggestion of everyone, it was decided to get together on New Year's Day every year. Grandpa and grandma were of course welcome to it, who doesn't want to have fun!

Although everyone's face was flushed, no one was drunk and everyone was happy. After saying goodbye to the grandparents, every elder would chat with Chen Zhiguo who had seen them off at the gate, pat him affectionately, and say something like "come often in the future" or "come to their house to play"!

They don't know how to talk about profound principles or say nice words. They are just a group of simple farmers who can only express their love and recognition for Chen Zhiguo in a simple way!

This may be the cohesion of the family! They have been slowly getting older. Among the next generation, Chen Zhiguo, as the third generation of the Chen family, has become a leader of the new generation. Based on his performance, the old and young of the Chen family have recognized him! This is trust and responsibility!

The grandmother did not ask the other daughters-in-law to come and help. She sent them all back to take care of her husband. She took the two daughters-in-law and started to clean up! As for the children, they can stay as long as they want and play however they want!

The yard was empty and the room became quiet. The big table was removed and several people sat on the kang. Chen Zhiguo started to make tea again, Mingqian Longjing. Of course, this good tea must be let his family taste it!

At the dinner table just now, Chen Zhiguo brewed jasmine tea. It was not because Chen Zhiguo was stingy, but because the quantity of jasmine tea was large enough to drink, while the quantity of Longjing tea was really not enough to brew!

The second uncle doesn’t know much about tea. He took a sip and said, “This tea doesn’t have the same fragrance as before!” He even sounded a little disgusted!

Grandpa glared at him but didn't say anything. It was useless to teach him. It was like a cow chewing a peony flower!

Grandpa just brought the tea in front of Chen Dahu over! Although Grandpa couldn't tell the difference between the two kinds of tea, expensive and cheap! But Grandpa knew that the tea brewed by this grandson alone must be extraordinary! There is no bad tea for your family to drink, only better tea!

Chen Dayong did not argue with Chen Dahu. He sipped the tea carefully. He had drunk this tea at home before. He had also heard He Yuzhu talk about it at the dinner table, telling the story of how he was deceived by the canteen director. The reason was this tea!

My son is really generous, he inherited this from his grandfather. Sometimes Chen Dayong feels that he can’t do as well as Chen Zhiguo!

"Dad, why did you take my tea away?"

"It doesn't taste good, let Zhiguo make it for you separately."

"You still think he's spoiled! I think he's just spoiled. When there's no tea, doesn't he drink boiled water every day? There's tea leaves to drink, but he still complains about it. Then don't drink it next time. It's a waste to give it to you anyway!" Grandma would never spoil him. With just a few words, she silenced the second uncle!

Chen Zhiguo didn't listen to his grandmother. He stood up, made a cup of jasmine tea for his second uncle and handed it to him!

"My eldest nephew is still thinking about me!" The second uncle was happy. He knew that no matter what Chen Zhiguo did, his mother would not tell!

"You are just stupid!" Grandpa was a little helpless. No one could do anything when faced with such a fool!

Chapter 57: Grandma’s house, the unreliable fourth uncle!

Chen Dayong had already said what he wanted to say at the dinner table just now, so he didn't repeat it this time. He just said that Chen Zhiguo's studies and plans for this year are all about family, so there is nothing to hide!

Chen Dayong saw that the children were gone, and gave cigarettes to the grandfather and Chen Dayong. The grandfather did not light it, but after drinking a sip of tea, he said, "Zhiguo has his own opinions. You just need to support him. Don't use your brain to make decisions for him!"

"Then Zhiguo can work this year, right? Won't he become a cadre?" Uncle asked excitedly.

"It's not even a done deal yet, and I still have to go back to school to discuss it with the teacher? It's still unclear whether the teacher agrees or not!"

"It's okay. My eldest grandson is very smart. He will definitely be able to do it!" The grandmother was mysteriously confident. Wang Meihua, who was standing at the door, also had a smile on her face. It was her own son!

We had dinner very late, and we weren’t hungry. We just had some simple porridge and some hot steamed buns in the evening. It was very simple, and the whole family got together to have dinner!

Chen Zhiguo set off some hanging firecrackers in the yard, and also set off a few double-kick firecrackers. The crackling sound of the firecrackers made this quiet village particularly loud.

"Brother, please set off a few more!" Chen Xiaoli is afraid of such loud firecrackers, but at the same time she likes to watch the firecrackers explode in the night sky. What a contradiction!

Chen Zhiguo could never resist Chen Xiaoli's request. Every time he retreated under her big eyes, he would take out a few firecrackers until Chen Xiaoli was satisfied, and then he would return to the room!

"Just let her be!" Wang Meihua helped Chen Zhiguo brush off the scraps of paper and dust on his body! "It's okay, it's New Year's Day!"

"Grandson, come and eat!" Grandma urged.

"Here I am! Grandma!" Chen Zhiguo washed his hands and hurried over to sit next to his grandma. He drank the hot porridge and felt really comfortable.

"Zhiguo, shall I cook another dish for you?" Second Aunt was worried that Chen Zhiguo was not full.

"It's okay, Second Aunt! It's fine as it is!" Chen Zhiguo swallowed the steamed bread in his mouth and replied.

Chen Dayong's old house has always been looked after by his second uncle and second aunt. In the afternoon, Wang Meihua and second aunt went to clean it up again. Before the New Year, the old bedding in the house had been taken out by second aunt to dry in the sun, so there was no need to worry about it being damp and making it difficult to sleep at night!

After dinner, they sat for a while and then Chen Dayong took Wang Meihua and Chen Xiaoli back to the old house, while Chen Zhiguo stayed here to sleep with grandparents!

Sitting on the warm kang and chatting with his grandparents, Chen Zhiguo fell asleep soon. Maybe it was because of his home, even though it was very simple, he felt very warm and comfortable!

The next day, after breakfast, Chen Dayong took his family to Wang Meihua's parents' home. There were only three days of annual leave, so there was no way to stay longer. He could only walk more in the limited time!

There was no sentimental farewell. Chen Zhiguo just hugged his grandmother, said goodbye to his grandfather, and followed him down the mountain! There were still constant greetings along the way. There was one family, and there were countless families standing at the gate of their own house, talking to Chen Dayong and Chen Zhiguo. This section of the mountain road was very slow, and Chen Dayong was a little surprised by the villagers' enthusiasm for Chen Zhiguo!

After another detour, we arrived at Qinjia Village, and saw a completely different scene! The deserted road did not seem to have any New Year atmosphere. With a slight breeze, the confetti from the firecrackers scattered on the ground would fly with the wind, but they were sparse and few!

Without anyone greeting them, Chen Dayong and his group went straight to grandma's house! In fact, many eyes were staring at them, but after seeing Chen Zhiguo, they all hid back!

Not long ago, Qinjia Village began to reorganize. Qin Baoguo stepped down, and the village accountant temporarily served as the village chief. The leaders will discuss who will be the village chief after the New Year. This has caused many people in Qinjia Village to go out frequently recently, and most of them are going to the commune!

As for Qin Baoguo's second son, he was carried home just before the New Year. The villagers who went to see him said that he was still lying in bed with his arms and thighs in plaster, unable to move at all. He needed someone to serve him when he ate, drank, defecated and urinated. Seeing Qin Ergou's miserable appearance, the villagers of Qinjia Village were terrified. This ruthless man is here again!

And Qin Ergou is still in the police station! He was not released during the Chinese New Year. It is said that Qin Baoguo went there before the New Year, but he came back in disgrace. Qin Baoguo, who lost his position as village chief, is having a hard time now. At home, Qin Erbao has to serve him day and night. Outside, no one listens to what he says. What's worse, some people even mock him in person. Who would dare to do this in the past? Now he is in trouble!

Of course, Chen Zhiguo would not care about or understand what happened in Qinjia Village! For him, the matter has passed. If someone still wants to retaliate, then just keep filming! It depends on how many brave men in Qinjia Village dare to jump out. However, Chen Zhiguo was very disappointed with today's trip and despised the people of Qinjia Village!

Grandma and grandpa didn’t expect that Chen Dayong and his family would come back. When Chen Zhiguo came last time, he didn’t know when Chen Dayong would come back!

Soon, the four brothers of the Wang family all came. They were originally going back to their mother’s home, which was from a nearby village, so they didn’t set out so early. What should they do now?

Grandpa has said that we should go early and come back early, and we just don’t have to eat there! Compared with accompanying my wife back to her parents’ home, several uncles are happy to stay at home. Since grandpa has said so, we should go quickly and come back soon!

The children didn't want to leave. There were comic books, firecrackers, and sweet candies. Who wanted to go out with their parents? The four uncles were not annoyed, and the aunts didn't rush the children to go back with them! Compared to going back to their mother's house, it was better to stay at home. At least they knew what their mother's house was like!

The children put the small firecrackers in their pockets, ate candies in their mouths, and followed Chen Xiaoli into the room. In an instant, the kang in grandma's house was full of children! It also became quiet in an instant!

Wang Meihua went into the room and talked to her mother. Chen Zhiguo took advantage of the fact that no one was around and handed the things he brought this time to grandpa. First, the shoes, those belonging to grandma and grandpa, four uncles and aunt, were all given to grandpa. They were all the same style, except for the sizes. Let them divide them themselves when the time comes!

The things I brought to grandpa were the same as those for grandpa, four bottles of Fenjiu, ten bottles of Erguotou, four Daqianmen,

I brought two cans of malted milk for grandma, five boxes of face cream, five boxes of clam oil for hand care, and some cotton coats and pants that I took off last time!

"Zhiguo, what are you doing with all these things?" There were too many things, and grandpa was worried. He was not worried about himself, but about his eldest grandson, hoping that he would go astray!

"Grandpa, these are all gifts from the factory, as I was helping them repair machines. Don't worry!"

"You should bring these things to your grandfather. Why are you giving me so many?" Grandpa was still a little worried.

"Don't worry, Grandpa, what's given to me is the same as yours!" Chen Zhiguo explained patiently. He also knew that his grandpa meant well and was worried about him!

Because they had to wait for the four uncles to come back, they were not in a hurry to make lunch. But grandma was still afraid that Chen Zhiguo and Chen Xiaoli would be hungry, so she went to the kitchen and made four poached eggs. She called Chen Zhiguo and Chen Xiaoli to the kitchen to eat, and did not let them go back until they finished eating!

It’s not that grandma is reluctant to give them to other grandchildren, but there are really not that many eggs at home!

Chen Zhiguo was still the waiter, making tea for grandpa and Chen Dayong. The grandfather and Chen Dayong sat on the kang, smoking. Chen Dayong started talking about his business trip again!

But Chen Zhiguo knew that Chen Dayong had to tell it again, that four uncles had not come back yet!

Wang Meihua was called to the kitchen by her grandmother. She was probably scolded. Her grandmother knew Wang Meihua's temper. Fortunately, she had a good husband. If Chen Dayong hadn't spoiled her, she would never have been happy. If she had met another man, she would have been scolded! There are really few people like Wang Meihua these days. Not to mention the countryside, just talking about the dual-income families in the city, the women come home from get off work, wash clothes, cook, and do housework, and they are busy all the time. The men come home from get off work and do nothing. Women have to serve tea and water. This is everywhere, and everyone thinks it is a normal phenomenon!

In the Chen family, it is rare for a man to cook for Wang Meihua! Grandma often said that Wang Meihua was lucky. She was spoiled by a man before, and now she has another son to protect her. It is really a blessing for lazy people!

The first one to come back was the fourth uncle Wang Jiaqiang. He was the smartest and pushed Chen Zhiguo's bicycle away, so he came back quickly. If he hadn't been thinking about Chen Zhiguo, he would have wanted to show off at his father-in-law's house for a while! On the way back, Wang Jiaqiang's waist was twisted several times by his aunt Sun Fang. Wang Jiaqiang was in so much pain that he almost crashed into the ditch with his bicycle. This made his aunt stop torturing him!

That's true. It's not your bike, you just borrowed it to ride for a while. What's so great about it? Really, when I get back, I'll let Zhiguo talk to him!

Seeing his brother-in-law and father on the kang, Wang Jiaqiang climbed up without hesitation. He first drank a sip of the tea in front of his father, then picked up the Peony cigarette that his brother-in-law had placed on the kang table and lit it up!

"Fourth uncle, so soon!" Chen Zhiguo was surprised to see that Fourth Uncle had returned just after returning from his sister's room.

"If you don't come back, it will be embarrassing to keep him in my house! Just ride your bike, why are you bragging? What if he really asks you to borrow it? I wonder if you will lend it to me. Wouldn't you be embarrassing my family?" Fourth aunt was so angry that she wanted to vent it only when she got home!

If quarreling was not prohibited during the New Year, my fourth aunt would have started quarreling with my fourth uncle a long time ago!

"Aunt, don't be angry, have a candy to sweeten your mouth!" As he said this, he handed a peeled White Rabbit to his aunt's mouth.

"Zhiguo, you eat it, but your aunt won't!" Knowing how precious your aunt is, how could she be willing to eat something from a younger generation?

"Aunt, eat it!" Chen Zhiguo stuffed the candy into his aunt's mouth. He didn't care, but it made his aunt blush. She had never been fed by anyone in her life. She often heard her mother-in-law say that her eldest sister-in-law was lucky, her husband loved her, and her son coaxed her. She was a little bit unconvinced. Which woman didn't treat her husband like a day and serve him at home? Even if Wang Jiaqiang had such a big thing, didn't she still have to do his laundry, cook for him, and bring him footbath water?