In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

The next morning, the weather remained gloomy and cold.

Yang Guangming told his family, picked up his worn-out canvas bag, and went out.

He didn't take anything directly out of the space. During this period, with the complete collapse of the Gold Yuan's credibility, the Nationalist government's so-called "financial control" became a mere formality. Private transactions had long since spontaneously abandoned that pile of worthless paper and returned to the stage of hard currencies such as silver dollars and foreign currencies, as well as barter.

In the shops that were still open on the street, customers could buy most things if they paid in silver dollars, even though the prices were high. However, for particularly scarce items such as grain, coal, and cloth, customers had to queue or even have connections.

Yang Guangming planned to find a suitable shop on the road and buy some practical items with silver dollars to take with him. This would be more reasonable and less likely to arouse suspicion.

He walked along the familiar street, his gaze sweeping over the desolate scenes on both sides.

Only a handful of shops were open, and most were deserted. He walked two streets before he found a shop that sold both groceries and a small amount of grain still open, but the entrance was quiet and deserted.

He went inside, and the shopkeeper was a thin old man who was dozing off behind the counter with his hands in his sleeves.

Yang Guangming inquired about the prices. The price of rice was outrageously high, and it was also rationed; each person could only buy a maximum of five jin (2.5 kg) at a time. Other grains, oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar were also incredibly expensive, but they could indeed be bought with silver dollars.

He thought for a moment and decided that buying grain was the most practical thing to do. He took out his silver dollars and bought twenty catties of rice. When the shopkeeper saw the shiny silver dollars, his attitude became much warmer. He quickly weighed and bagged the rice for him, and even used two thick cloth bags to pack it separately.

Carrying a heavy 20-pound bag of rice, Yang Guangming continued walking towards the alley where his aunt's house was located.

My aunt's family lived in an area in the western part of the southern city, which was also an ordinary residential alley. However, compared to the previous large courtyards, the residents here were relatively neat and tidy, and most of them were relatively well-off families.

My aunt's house is a small, detached house with its own courtyard. Although it's not big, it's well-maintained and has been passed down from her ancestors. This provided them with a relatively stable place to live during the turbulent years before.

After walking for nearly half an hour, Yang Guangming finally arrived at the entrance of the alley where his aunt lived. The alley was very quiet, with hardly any pedestrians in sight, and every household had its doors tightly shut.

He walked to the black lacquered wooden door he remembered and knocked on the door knocker.

"Who is it?" came a middle-aged woman's voice from inside, wary. It was the voice of Yang Huining, the eldest aunt.

“Auntie, it’s me, Guangming,” Yang Guangming replied.

There was a moment of silence inside the door, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps and the latch being pulled open.

The door creaked open a crack, revealing Yang Huining's face, which was filled with surprise and joy.

She was thinner than Yang Mingming remembered, her face was a little pale, and the fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes seemed deeper, but her eyes were still bright and gentle, exuding competence. She was wearing a slightly worn navy blue cotton-padded jacket, which was washed clean.

"Guangming? What brings you here? Come in quickly! It's cold outside!" Yang Huining quickly opened the door wide, let Yang Guangming in, and then quickly closed the door and bolted it shut.

The courtyard seemed quieter than when Yangming last visited. There was a small pile of firewood in the corner. The doors and windows of the main house were tightly shut.

"Aunt, is Uncle not home?" Yang Guangming asked, placing the bag of rice he was carrying on the steps at the entrance of the main room.

“I’m going to school. No matter what, education is always the most important thing, and we must keep going to class.” Yang Huining said, sighing, her eyes filled with unconcealed sorrow.

Only then did she notice the two cloth bags that Yang Guangming had placed on the ground. Judging from their shape and weight, they were clearly grains. She couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Guangming, you... why did you bring something with you? What did you bring to your aunt's place?"

"This is just a small token of my appreciation for my aunt and uncle, as well as my cousins, to help them recover." Yang Guangming said casually as he carried the bag of rice into the main room.

The main room was dimly lit and furnished simply, but it was kept tidy.

An old woman with bound feet, gray hair, and a shrewd look was sitting in a chair against the wall, holding a needle and thread, seemingly mending something.

This is my aunt's mother-in-law, Old Mrs. Wang.

Beside her was a pretty girl, about eighteen or nineteen years old, wearing an old cotton-padded jacket and with two long braids. She was bending over sewing shoe soles. She was Wang Xiujuan, the eldest aunt's daughter, and a year older than Yang Guangming. She should be called cousin.

Seeing Yang Guangming come in, Wang Xiujuan looked up, her face slightly flushed, then lowered her head and whispered, "My cousin is here."

Grandma Wang had already put down her needlework, her sharp eyes landing on the rice bag that Yang Ming had brought in. Her face instantly lit up with a smile, a smile so warm it was almost exaggerated.

"Oh! It's Guangming! It's been a while! Please sit down! Juanzi, quickly go and pour your cousin a bowl of hot water! This child, you came all this way, and what did you bring? It's so heavy, is it grain? In this world, grain is more precious than gold! You're such a kind child, thinking of your aunt!"

As she spoke, she stood up, walked quickly to the rice bag, reached out and touched it. Feeling the heavy, distinct grains, her eyes brightened, and her words of praise flowed like a river bursting its banks.

A hint of unease flashed across Yang Huining's face, as if she was somewhat embarrassed by her mother-in-law's behavior, but she didn't say anything, only inviting Yang Guangming to sit down.

Wang Xiujuan silently got up and went to the kitchen to pour water.

Yang Guangming sat down in the chair and pushed the bag of rice toward the old lady: "Grandma, here's some rice to help the family out. It's hard to buy rice outside these days, and it's not easy for my uncle and aunt to raise such a large family."

"Oh dear! That's right!" Old Mrs. Wang sat down next to the rice bag, as if afraid someone would snatch it away. She placed one hand on the bag and slapped her thigh with the other, beginning to complain:
"Guangming, you have no idea how unbearable this life is!"

Your uncle's school hasn't paid full salaries for six months! When they do pay, it's always those cheap, paper rations that are barely good enough to wipe your bottom with! They won't even accept them when you go out to buy grain!

The queue outside the grain store stretched as far as the eye could see! If you went late, you wouldn't even get any bran!

She glanced at Yang Guangming, and seeing him listening calmly, she continued, her voice trembling with tears:
"We've been starving for ages! We had some food stored up, but we've almost finished it all."

Your aunt is very frugal; she only cooks two meals of thin porridge a day, so watery and clear that you can see your reflection in it!
The three children are growing up, and they're so hungry they secretly cry at night... I'm not so bad at all, but seeing my grandchildren suffer breaks my heart!"

She wiped away non-existent tears. "Your cousin is getting old and should be looking for a husband, but look at the state of her family..."

Sigh! Just the other day, your uncle was saying that if all else fails, he could have the two younger ones drop out of school and find apprenticeships, at least to earn a living... But with all this war and chaos, it's not that easy. And even if they did find some, what could they possibly do with that meager wages?"

She became more and more agitated as she spoke, spittle flying everywhere: "If it weren't for this old courtyard, our family would probably be homeless by now!"
But this courtyard...sigh, it's worthless now, nobody wants it even if I wanted to sell it! It's truly a desperate situation, with no one to turn to for help!

Yang Huining listened from the side, her face growing increasingly grim. Finally, she couldn't help but interrupt, "Mother! Why are you telling the child these things! Guangming has had it tough too. He came to see us and brought such valuable gifts. We should be grateful enough. How can we complain to him?"

She turned to Guangming, apologetic, and said, "Guangming, don't listen to your grandma. Things are a bit tough at home, but we can manage."

Your uncle at least has a job; the school won't stay like this forever. Things will get better once the situation improves.

How's everything at home? Is your dad's leg fully healed? Are your mom and Jingwan and Jingyi alright?

Yang Guang knew her aunt's personality well; she was strong-willed, concerned about her image, and unwilling to show weakness in front of younger generations. Although her mother-in-law's complaints were exaggerated, they weren't necessarily entirely unfounded; her aunt's family must be facing very difficult times.

He already had a plan in mind, so he went along with his aunt's words, saying, "Don't worry, Aunt, my father's leg has fully recovered and he's quite strong now. My mother and two younger sisters are also doing well. Thanks to you, things at home are alright." He paused, then decided to get straight to the point and tell her about the changes in his family: "Aunt, actually, besides visiting you and Uncle, I also wanted to tell you something. There have been some changes at home."

"Changes? What changes?" Yang Huining asked with concern, her expression tightening.

Yang Guangming recounted in detail how his second and third uncles' families moved south to Shanghai, and how his grandfather refused to go with them, and how he had now taken care of his own family.

He spoke calmly, simply stating the facts without adding excessive emotion.

After listening, Yang Huining was stunned for a long time. Her expression changed from shock to understanding, and finally turned into deep sighs and emotions.

She wasn't too bothered by her stepmother and two half-brothers moving south; in fact, she vaguely felt that it was better that they were gone, as it might ease her father's worries.

She was more concerned about her father's whereabouts.

"Father...Father really stayed and lived with you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“Yes, Grandpa lives with us now. He’s getting old and doesn’t want to leave his hometown, so it’s easier for us to take care of him.” Yang Guangming nodded.

Yang Huining's eyes reddened slightly. She blinked hard to suppress the stinging sensation and a relieved smile appeared on her face.
"Good...good! Your parents are both filial, and you are a good child! I'm at ease with you! It's better than going south with them and enduring all that hardship!"

She paused, then said firmly, "Once things calm down a bit more outside, I'll definitely go see Dad! Go back and tell your grandpa to take care of himself and not to worry about me. Everything's fine here..."

When she said "everything is fine," her voice lowered slightly, clearly indicating that she herself knew she lacked confidence in saying it.

Grandma Wang listened from the side, her eyes darting around, and interjected, "Huaiyi and Huaili went to Shanghai? Oh dear, it's good that they went to the South, it's peaceful there! They have good foresight! They're so bright! Your parents and you... really don't plan to leave? It looks like a major war is about to break out in Beiping! It's too dangerous for them to stay!"

Yang Guangming briefly repeated the reasons he had given to his second uncle and grandfather the night before, emphasizing that he still had a job to rely on and that moving south would also be fraught with unknown risks.

After hearing this, Grandma Wang pursed her lips, clearly not agreeing, but she didn't say anything more and her attention returned to the two bags of rice.

Yang Guangming felt the time was right, so he took out a small cloth bag from his pocket, placed it on the table in front of Yang Huining, and pushed it over.

“Aunt, please take this money for now to tide you over.” He said sincerely, “It’s my father’s idea. He knows that Uncle is having a hard time right now, and the family has a lot of expenses. Please use these twenty silver dollars to buy some grain and coal, so that your cousins ​​won’t suffer. We can do it again when we are better off later. It’s only right for family members to help each other.”

Twenty silver dollars! In those days, this was an absolute life-saving sum!
The main room fell silent instantly.

Yang Huining stared wide-eyed at the small cloth bag on the table, reached out her hand, then withdrew it as if burned, shaking her head repeatedly.

"No! No! Guangming, I can't take this money! Your family isn't well-off either, you have to support your grandfather, and Jingwan and Jingyi also need money... Take this money back! We... we can get through this!"

Her tone was urgent, carrying an undeniable refusal. Although she was struggling financially, her pride and self-respect as the eldest sister in the family made it impossible for her to accept such a large sum of money from her nephew.

Old Mrs. Wang's eyes lit up, almost sparkling. Before Yang Huining could say anything more, she grabbed the cloth bag, clutching it tightly, her face beaming with joy, and exclaimed repeatedly:

"Oh dear! Guangming! You are truly... truly our family's savior! How can we possibly thank you! Your aunt is just so stubborn, suffering for the sake of saving face! Look at the state of the family, she still insists on putting on a brave face! Grandma will accept this money on their behalf! Don't worry, once we get through this difficult time, we will definitely pay it back! We will definitely pay it back!"

As she spoke, she quickly stuffed the cloth bag into her arms, as if afraid that Yang Huining would snatch it back.

"Mother!" Yang Huining was both anxious and angry, her face flushed red. "How could you do this! Quickly return the money to Guangming!"

"What do you mean, 'repay'? This is Guangming and his father's heartfelt gift! It's money to save their lives!"

Grandma Wang glared at her daughter-in-law, her tone firm, "Didn't you see how thin the two children have become? Didn't you see that Xiujuan doesn't even have a decent set of clothes? In this day and age, can face put food on the table? Guangming is family, not an outsider! We'll remember this kindness and repay it properly in the future!"

She turned to Guangming, her face beaming with a smile, and showered him with compliments: "Guangming, don't blame your aunt, that's just her temper."

Don't worry, Grandma will remember this money and this rice! Your parents and you are all kind people! Once this period is over, your uncle will focus on teaching and earn money, and the first thing he'll do is pay you back!

Seeing his aunt's embarrassed and helpless expression, Yang Guangming understood her feelings.

He said gently, "Aunt, Grandma is right. We're family, so there's no need for formalities. Use this money with peace of mind, and don't think about paying it back."

The most important thing right now is to get by and take good care of my older and younger cousins.

I know my uncle's learning and character; he'll definitely amount to something when things improve. We might even have to rely on him then.”

His words were well-chosen; they gave his aunt a way out, offered hope for the future, and relieved her psychological pressure.

Looking at her nephew's calm and sincere gaze, and then at the cloth bag that her mother-in-law was tightly protecting in her arms, Yang Huining knew that if she continued to refuse, she would not only offend her nephew and brother's good intentions, but also make the scene awkward.

She let out a long sigh, a sigh filled with helplessness, gratitude, and a hint of relief.

She finally stopped insisting, and with tears in her eyes, she said to Yang Guangming, "Guangming... Aunt... on behalf of your uncle and this family, thank you! This kindness... Aunt will remember it for a lifetime!"

"Auntie, you flatter me," Yang Guangming waved his hand dismissively.

Grandma Wang was satisfied with the money in her pocket and became even more enthusiastic, arranging for Yang Guangming to stay for lunch.

Yang Guangming was unwilling to stay. He knew his aunt's family was short of food, and his staying for a meal would only add to their burden. He politely declined, saying that he had things to do at home and that his father and grandfather were waiting for him to return.

Having done what needed to be done and said what needed to be said, Yang Guangming got up to take his leave.

Yang Huining and Wang Xiujuan escorted him to the courtyard gate. Yang Huining held his hand and repeatedly told him to be careful on the road, to give her regards to her father, brother, and sister-in-law, and that she would definitely visit them when things calmed down outside.

Wang Xiujuan also whispered, "Cousin, thank you." Her voice was soft and gentle.

Yang Guangming nodded in agreement and turned to walk into the cold alley.

As he walked out of the alley, he glanced back at the tightly closed black wooden door, but his heart was not stirred.

He showed his kinship by giving his aunt's family twenty silver dollars and twenty catties of rice, enough to help them get through the most difficult period and prevent the children from dropping out of school or falling into a deeper predicament.

As for the shrewd old Mrs. Wang, Yang Guangming didn't care.

In chaotic times, it's only natural for people to be somewhat mercenary and calculating in order to survive.

As long as my uncle is reasonable and my aunt can keep the family stable, then this financial assistance won't have been wasted. (End of Chapter)