Siheyuan: A young man starts a game and ignores the law

Chen Yuying smiled slightly, with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Xu Damao was once an important figure in our area. He not only had great achievements in business, but also made many contributions to culture and community building."

She paused and continued, "However, his later years were not easy. I heard that in that turbulent era, he encountered some troubles and challenges, which eventually led him to fade out of the public eye."

Su Ming listened attentively. He knew that these might be the key to unlocking the story behind Xu Damao. "Auntie, please tell us more about him. Perhaps these stories can help us understand his true appearance and his activities in this courtyard."

Chen Yuying thought for a moment and then began to tell the story. "When Xu Damao was young, he loved calligraphy and painting very much. He often held literary evenings and calligraphy and painting exhibitions in this courtyard. In those years, our cultural activities were also quite prosperous."

She pointed to an open space deep in the yard and said, "Look at that place? It was once the venue for a large-scale calligraphy and painting exhibition held by Xu Damao. Many cultural celebrities from Beijing were invited at that time, and the whole yard became very lively."

Xiaoxia listened attentively, as if she could see the prosperity and cultural atmosphere of that era. "How were those calligraphy and painting exhibitions conducted? Are there any photos or documents left from the scene?"

Chen Yuying shook her head. "In those days, photos and documents were not as common as they are now, and many things have been lost. However, some elderly people still remember some fragments and details. Perhaps you can ask those who have participated in the event to see if you can find some valuable clues."

Su Ming and Xiao Xia looked at each other, and a sense of determination surged in their hearts. "Thank you, Auntie. Your advice is very valuable. We will try our best to find more information about Xu Damao." Su Ming said, expressing their gratitude and determination.

Chen Yuying smiled and patted Su Ming's shoulder gently. "You are the hope of this courtyard, and also the hope of us old people. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for."

Her words were full of encouragement and blessings for young people. In her opinion, Su Ming and Xiaoxia were not only working hard to explore history, but also to pass on the cultural responsibility of their family and community.

Xiaoxia and Su Ming took a deep breath. They knew that they were shouldering an important mission, not only to solve the mystery of Xu Damao, but also to pass on this history so that every brick and tile in the yard could tell its own story.

"Let's go ask those old people now to see if there are any clues worth exploring." Xiaoxia said, with determination flashing in her eyes.

They decided to start with some of the elderly people in the courtyard, asking them for any memories and stories about Xu Damao and the cultural activities he had held. These elderly people have witnessed the changes in the courtyard over the years, and their memories may be the key to uncovering the veil of history.

For Su Ming and Xiaoxia, finding the elderly who had participated in Xu Damao's activities in the courtyard was a top priority. They hoped to hear some memories and history about Xu Damao from these elderly people in those days, so as to have a more comprehensive understanding of this businessman who once left footprints in the courtyard.

They first found Liu Guangtian, an elderly resident of the courtyard. Mr. Liu has been a permanent resident of the area and knows the history of the courtyard very well. He was one of Xu Damao's business partners when he was young, and although he is now gray-haired, he still maintains a sharp memory and clear recollection of the events of the past.

Su Ming and Xiaoxia walked into Mr. Liu's yard and saw him sitting on his old rattan chair, basking in the sun leisurely with an old book in his hand. The persimmon tree in the yard swayed gently in the breeze, and the falling leaves made a rustling sound, reflecting the scene of a peaceful life.

"Hello, Grandpa Liu!" Su Ming walked up to Liu Guangtian with a smile and greeted him.

Liu Guangtian raised his head, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Oh, it's Su Ming, what do you want to talk to me about?" His voice was a little low, but full of determination and maturity.

Xiaoxia also walked forward, "Grandpa Liu, we would like to ask you something about Mr. Xu Damao. Can you share with us some of the stories you experienced with him in the past?"

Liu Guangtian smiled slightly, as if he was touched by the enthusiasm of the two young people. "Xu Damao, he was my good friend when I was young, and he is also my mentor and helpful friend in this life. If you want to know anything, just ask."

Su Ming and Xiaoxia exchanged a reassuring look and began to ask Liu Guangtian various questions about Xu Damao. Old Liu answered them one by one, recalling their past experiences in this courtyard.

"In those years, Xu Damao often held various cultural activities in this courtyard, especially calligraphy and painting exhibitions and literary performances. His passion for art and culture was unparalleled, and he always spared no effort to support us artists and literati."

Xiaoxia listened attentively, and she wanted to record every detail that Mr. Liu said as much as possible. "Grandpa Liu, can you tell me in detail about those calligraphy and painting exhibitions? Are there any particularly memorable scenes or people?"

Liu Guangtian closed his eyes and recalled the scene at that time. "Oh, those scenes were really spectacular! We were all young and energetic artists at that time, and every exhibition was a grand cultural feast. Xu Damao always invited some well-known local painters and calligraphers to participate, and their works were simply amazing."

He paused and continued, "There was another time, which I remember very clearly. It was a spring afternoon. The locust tree in the yard was full of flowers, and the whole yard was surrounded by a gorgeous sea of ​​flowers. At that exhibition, Xu Damao invited a calligrapher named Wu Liang to write Spring Festival couplets, and the scene was very lively."

Su Ming listened attentively, as if he saw the scene full of cultural atmosphere back then. "Grandpa Liu, is the calligrapher Wu Liang you are talking about the one who is famous for his 'one word is worth a thousand gold'?"

Liu Guangtian smiled and said, "Yes, it was him. Mr. Wu was very famous at that time, and every one of his works was welcomed and appreciated by everyone. It really brought a lot of honor to us young people that Xu Damao could invite such a famous writer to write Spring Festival couplets for us."

Xiaoxia couldn't help but said excitedly: "These are indeed the clues and information we need. Grandpa Liu, do you know what other cultural activities Xu Damao did in this courtyard at that time? Or did he leave behind any specific records or objects?"