Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 97 Red Flags Flutter Atop Tianjin City, Old Zhao Arrives at the Door! (Please Subscribe)
After chatting for a while, the mother and daughter opened up to each other, and Wang Cuiping returned to her lazy state. She had just passed her morning sickness period, could eat well, and was prone to drowsiness.

She put away the Mauser pistol, kicked He Yuzhu out of the room, and went to bed.

The two chatted while Xiaoman was doing laundry. He Yuzhu had left while Xiaoman was still doing laundry. The little girl didn't want He Yuzhu to think she was freeloading, so she always insisted on doing the chores.

"Xiaoman, is your water too cold? Do you want to take a break?"

"It's not cold, Brother Zhu. I've added hot water. I'll be done washing soon. Were you arguing with Aunt Wang in the house just now?"

"No, Aunt Wang is emotionally unstable right now, so her voice was a bit loud."

"Oh, Brother Zhu, you go and rest. I'll come in as soon as I'm done washing up."

"Row."

December arrived quickly. During this time, Yuan Taihong and Li Baoguo both came to see him. Knowing that he couldn't return to Beijing, they were afraid he would squander his savings and wanted to persuade him to return to the restaurant.

He Yuzhu refused all of them, as he was worried about his family. However, as the situation became increasingly tense, the business of Huifanglou and Hongbinlou also declined significantly.

By late December, Tianjin was besieged by a large army, and all the shops in the city had to close down.

Li Baoguo risked his life to tell He Yuzhu not to go out, but in the end He Yuzhu took him back and gave him half a bag of cornmeal. Li Baoguo's family was large, and even if they had stored food, they had to eat it sparingly. He Yuzhu knew that this siege would last for almost a month.

Within a few days, everyone in the city could hear the booming of cannons outside, and all the people in the city locked their doors and windows.

Xiaoman was so frightened by the first sound of cannons that she hid in Wang Cuiping's arms. Wang Cuiping was also glad that she had moved in with He Yuzhu, otherwise, although the courtyard there was big, safety would have been a real problem.

While fighting raged outside the city, the city itself was also in turmoil. Local thugs, defeated soldiers, and bandits took advantage of the chaos to loot many large houses, especially those where only family members remained, as there were no guards left.

He Yuzhu told her all this when he came back. He Yuzhu was also saying that the food was really good there. He Yuzhu cooked all sorts of different dishes for them. She didn't know where he got the ingredients. She felt that she hadn't eaten so much good food in the two years she had lived with Yu Zecheng.

However, she didn't stand on ceremony, because she was pregnant with another baby, and she could only keep this kindness in her heart.

The cannon fire outside the city lasted for half a month before falling silent, but the troop movements inside the city became more and more frequent.

The people knew that the Kuomintang army outside the city had been defeated. In mid-January 1949, the artillery fire, which had been silent for many days, started again. This time the artillery fire was very close, and the city felt a strong tremor. Those close to the city gate could hear the continuous gunfire.

The gunfire lasted for less than two days before gunfire erupted inside the city. For the past two days, Wang Cuiping had been on guard during the day, while He Yuzhu had been on guard at night.

He Yuzhu didn't get involved. It was too chaotic, and people didn't know who he was. Who knew if he might get killed by a stray bullet? His life was more important.

When the gunfire in the city ceased, propaganda vehicles equipped with loudspeakers, radio broadcasts, and street announcements informed the people of Tianjin as quickly as possible that Tianjin had been liberated.

Then came a grand entry ceremony, followed by the establishment of the Xinjinmen People's Government and the Military Management Committee.

When they entered the city, He Yuzhu and his group went to see the sights. He Yuzhu was truly moved by the enthusiasm of the people in this era and the might of the People's Liberation Army, which made him feel excited. Wang Cuiping was moved to tears, and Xiaoman's little hands were red from clapping.

The next day, He Yuzhu went to the train station to inquire about the trains from Tianjin to Sijiucheng. The Tianjin Railway Bureau had been established, and trains were running from Tianjin, but not from Sijiucheng.

He Yuzhu went back and told Wang Cuiping the news. Wang Cuiping wasn't in a hurry. She advised He Yuzhu to continue waiting, saying that with his father at home, there was nothing to worry about.

He Yuzhu knew that Beijing would be liberated in another half month, so he waited patiently.

During this period, Yuan Taihong and Li Baoguo both came. Yuan Taihong was only slightly surprised to see Wang Cuiping, and He Yuzhu explained a few words and then did not ask any further questions.

Li Baoguo came to tell He Yuzhu that a man surnamed Zhao had visited him and learned that he was alright, saying that he would come to his house in a few days.

In fact, He Yuzhu also wanted to find Lao Zhao. He himself was fine, but Wang Cuiping's future arrangements depended on Lao Zhao. After all, Lao Zhao used to belong to the Sijiu City Working Committee, and he would most likely be assigned back in the future.

Upon receiving news of Lao Zhao, Wang Cuiping was overjoyed. She was finally able to see her own people again. The comrade who had come to meet her had sacrificed his life, and she had lost contact with the organization. If it weren't for that note and He Yuzhu, she would have already left the city and returned to her hometown.

Another thing is that the two of them originally wanted He Yuzhu to come to their home for the New Year, but since there were two other people with He Yuzhu, they asked He Yuzhu what he thought.

He Yuzhu refused, saying he would visit on the first day of the Lunar New Year because he knew he wouldn't be able to return to Beijing at that time.

Although it wasn't his own home, he still had to do the necessary things for the New Year. He cleaned the house, prepared New Year's goods, and bought couplets. He Yuzhu went out several times to do these things.

Of course, the fish and meat were all brought out from the space. There was pork, beef, and mutton, as well as chicken and fish. The weather was cold enough that they wouldn't spoil even if left outside.

He prepared extra because he would need to give it as a gift to his master, especially the flounder, a must-have gift for Tianjin people during the Lunar New Year.

Old Zhao arrived on January 22nd, just before the Lunar New Year, carrying snacks, dried fruit, and some candy.

When He Yuzhu opened the door and saw Lao Zhao, he was also taken aback. Lao Zhao was actually wearing a military uniform.

"Why were you scared? That shouldn't be the case," Old Zhao teased.

"What are you so scared of? I'm just wondering if you're a soldier?"

"Why doesn't it count? I'm currently helping out at the Tianjin Military Control Commission."

"Oh, I see!"

"Aren't you surprised by my identity?" Old Zhao asked curiously.

"What's there to be surprised about? I guessed it!" He Yuzhu said calmly.

"When a guest comes in, you block the door and don't invite me in to talk?" Old Zhao was a little annoyed.

"Ah, I forgot, I forgot, I'm sorry, please, please, please!" He Yuzhu quickly stepped aside and gestured for him to enter, then took the things from Old Zhao's hands, not forgetting to feign politeness, "Oh, Uncle Zhao, you've come all this way, why did you bring things? You've gone to so much trouble!"

"You brat, you're not being polite at all. Hey, Cui, Cuiping? What are you doing here?" Old Zhao laughed and scolded, but when He Yuzhu moved aside, Old Zhao looked up and saw Wang Cuiping smiling at him.

“Secretary Zhao! It really is you! The comrade who was supposed to meet me has sacrificed his life!” Wang Cuiping said, her eyes red with emotion.

"I'm so glad you're alright, I'm so glad you're alright. I thought, I thought you... Ugh, never mind, never mind!"

"Come inside quickly, Secretary Zhao, it's cold outside."

"Don't call me Secretary anymore. I'm not a Secretary anymore. I'm just a deputy director in charge of financial takeover."

"Alright, Deputy Director Zhao, please!"

"Okay, let's go inside and talk."

Upon entering the room, Zhao Fengnian noticed a young girl and asked in confusion, "Who is this girl?"

"Her name is Qiao Lingyi, and she was rescued by Zhu Zi."

"Rescued? Tell me in detail, were they local thugs or bandits? If there's anything you can't handle, I can help!"

"No need, it's nothing, but Uncle Zhao, you still have to help."

"Oh, tell me about it?" Zhao Fengnian had been thinking about repaying He Yuzhu's favor.

"We want to go back to Beijing. When can we go back?"

"Well, there's nothing I can do about it. The negotiations with the city are still ongoing, and we can't get into the city right now," Zhao Fengnian shook his head.

"Oh, how much longer? The New Year is almost here," He Yuzhu said, feigning anxiety.

"Wait a little longer, wait a little longer, it should be soon," Zhao Fengnian comforted him.

"Alright!" He Yuzhu said helplessly.

"Zhu Zi, don't worry. By the way, Cui Ping, are you going to Beijing too?"

“Yes, I want to stay in Beijing.” Wang Cuiping nodded without explaining why.

“Alright, when you have time, have Zhuzi accompany you to the Military Control Commission. We’ll issue you a letter of introduction, and I’ll contact your hometown to transfer your organizational affiliation.”

"Thank you, Deputy Director Zhao," Wang Cuiping said with a smile, rubbing her belly.

Seeing Wang Cuiping like this, Zhao Fengnian asked in surprise, "Cuiping, are you pregnant? Does that man know?" "He doesn't know!"

"Hey, it's all our fault for not handling things properly. He still went south. We'll try to contact him, but I can't guarantee when he'll be back!"

"Thank you!" Wang Cuiping's expression was rather calm, not overly excited, because she knew that if she hadn't managed to withdraw from Tianjin with such a good opportunity, it would be even more difficult in the future.

"Uncle Zhao, could you please get a letter of introduction for me and Xiaoman as well? Otherwise, it will be troublesome when we go back."

Wang Cuiping may not understand, but that doesn't mean He Yuzhu doesn't. The title of "director" may not sound like much, and it's even a deputy title, but this is the Military Control Commission, and the highest-ranking person there is the director.

"Hey, you've got some skills, kid!"

"What do you know? Go find whoever is in charge. Didn't the Kuomintang need them before?" He Yuzhu said.

"That's right, we need to get a letter of introduction. Who is Xiaoman?"

“Look, this girl’s nickname is Xiaoman. Xiaoman calls Uncle Zhao!” He Yuzhu pulled over the somewhat shy Xiaoman.

"Uncle Zhao, hello!"

"Okay, okay, if Zhu Zi bullies you, tell me and I'll deal with him!"

"Uncle Zhao, how can you talk like that? When have I ever bullied anyone?"

"No, no, I was just saying that."

"By the way, Uncle Zhao, aren't you going back to Beijing?"

"It's still unclear. Once Beijing is liberated, we'll follow the organization's arrangements. By the way, Cuiping, how did you escape that day? We went there later and saw traces of a grenade explosion."

"That's how it is," Wang Cuiping explained the general situation. Xiaoman, who was listening from the side, was amazed. This Aunt Wang is incredible.

"So that's how it is. No wonder he's a guerrilla captain. If it were me, I probably wouldn't have been able to escape," Zhao Fengnian exclaimed.

"So, Aunt Wang, you were a guerrilla leader?" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"That's all ancient history!" Wang Cuiping said dismissively.

"No way, there must be a lot of stories behind it. You'll have to tell me all about it later! Xiaoman, you want to hear them too, right?" He Yuzhu pulled Xiaoman along.

"Yes, yes, Aunt Wang is so amazing!" Xiaoman nodded repeatedly.

"Alright, alright, I'll talk, okay? Zhu Zi, hurry up and cook. Aren't you going to treat your Uncle Zhao to a good meal this Lunar New Year's Eve?"

"Yes, yes, I'm going to have a meal with Zhu Zi today. I even took a day off to come here," Zhao Fengnian joked.

“Alright, today I’ll show you a skill that I guarantee you’ll be eating your tongues in disbelief,” He Yuzhu said.

"Then I'll wait to eat your dish that will make us swallow our tongues."

"Xiaoman, come and help me. Uncle Zhao and Aunt Wang probably still have something to say."

"Okay!" Xiaoman replied.

After He Yuzhu and his companion left the main room, Zhao Fengnian said, "Comrade Wang Cuiping, is there anything else you would like me to convey to the organization?"

"No, I just want to settle down in Beijing and take good care of the baby in my belly!"

"Have you decided what you want to do in the future?"

"I have no idea!"

"No rush, you can think about it slowly. Don't rush when you get back to Beijing. We'll talk about it after you give birth. I'll make arrangements with them. You can stay in the same courtyard as Zhuzi and the others. That area belongs to the East City, so I can still speak up for you there."

"Don't bother the organization, I'll figure it out myself."

"How could this be troublesome? You are a meritorious official. I will help you with this, but we will have to wait until Beijing is liberated."

"Thank you, Deputy Director Zhao."

"Don't call me Deputy Director Zhao, just call me Old Zhao, it's too formal."

"Okay, Comrade Zhao!" Wang Cuiping said with a smile.

"now it's right!"

"By the way, how did Zhu Zi find you?"

"Yes, that's how it happened." Wang Cuiping recounted the chance encounter on the road.

"Thanks to this kid, we didn't want to trouble him, but we still ended up troubling him. Luckily we met him, because the area you mentioned really was robbed," Zhao Fengnian said.

"Yes, Zhuzi is a good kid. Old Zhao, you don't know, but Zhuzi has known for a long time that you're a member of the Rabbit Party."

"What? How did he know?"

"It must have been a deduction, otherwise he wouldn't have helped on the train."

“No wonder, no wonder, I knew it,” Zhao Fengnian exclaimed.

"Did you tell him about your matter?"

"No, but after what you just said, he probably already knows what Lao Yu does."

"No, we should recruit such a good young man into the organization."

"It's still a bit early, Zhu Zi is only 13."

“Look at me, I just saw how big he is and forgot he’s still a little kid. How come he’s so smart? I know he graduated from middle school.”

“I don’t know either. He said it was because she suddenly had an epiphany, probably because she was frightened when her mother gave birth to Yushui.”

"I'm actually a little envious of He Daqing," Zhao Fengnian sighed.

"By the way, where is your sister-in-law now?"

"We're still in Beijing. You'll see him when you go back. Keep in touch then."

"it is good!"

A delicious aroma soon wafted from the kitchen, and Zhao Fengnian exclaimed in surprise, "Zhu Zi, are you cooking meat?"

"Ah."

"Do you get to eat meat often?"

"Yes, Zhu Zi is capable. He said he's using the same channels as the restaurant before. Maybe he can get some back."

"Then I'm in for a treat today. Last time I went to Hongbinlou, Zhu Zi cooked me a meal that I still remember vividly."

"Heh, is it as good as you say?"

"You've gotten used to it and don't feel anything, but I'm definitely thinking about it. Now that the kid's gone back to Beijing, it'll be hard to get his cooking again."

"Then why don't you come and eat while we're still in Tianjin? Zhu Zi shouldn't mind having an extra pair of chopsticks and a bowl for you!"

"No need, no need, it's good enough to have this meal. The city is still not stable. I only managed to squeeze out this half-day after working overtime for many days."

　Thank you to D虎,懂我不言,Cyndi1982,山山石头,雷老师,（听）周老四, and书友2019102917833151 for the generous donations!

　　Thank you all for your continued reading, subscriptions, and support!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)