Siheyuan: A warm home with wife and children

Good people and bad people are not defined by nationality or skin color; there are good people everywhere, and there are bad people everywhere.

We need to be more careful in discerning things. Those in charge of the work below should also keep their eyes open, do more research beforehand, and not be deceived before realizing their mistake and shifting the blame to their superiors.

If they keep harping on this, then the classic saying, "Be bold in trying, be bold in venturing," and "Crossing the river by feeling the stones," should be used to describe the act of experimentation.

The policy is good, but some people can exploit it to seek personal gain.

Yet he couldn't refute it. Only Minister Xu himself knew how much he had suffered and how much injustice he had endured.

Yang Jianguo didn't reply, but chuckled and said, "We're here. Let's go inside and talk."

As you enter the main gate of the courtyard, you are greeted by green plants and flowerbeds all around, which set off the antique charm.

Further inside, the main courtyard was neatly arranged, the corridors had been repainted, and it was spotless.

The abandoned stone tables and benches were full of carvings, with chess pieces and tea sets placed on them. Grapevines also hung under the eaves, creating a truly pleasing scene.

Dried food and strings of chili peppers hanging in front of the door add a touch of life to the room.

A rocking chair, a rattan table, and a tea mug are placed on the steps next to it.

"Jianguo, you really know how to enjoy yourself!"

Minister Xu thought that someone with his personality must lead a boring and impoverished life.

Unexpectedly, just a stroll through this courtyard was enough to make one feel refreshed and reluctant to leave.

"Life and work are not in conflict. Who says that if you are strict at work, you can't enjoy life?"

Yang Jianguo doesn't have a habit of abusing himself, and besides, he's not alone.

My wife and kids need to be taken good care of.

Sacrificing one's own interests for the greater good depends on the circumstances, occasion, and severity.

Otherwise, he's out of his mind. If he can't even provide basic living security for his wife and children, how can he expect to serve others? Does he even have the ability to do so?!

Once inside and seated, Minister Xu was filled with emotion upon seeing Yingzi.

If I had put aside my prejudices and pride earlier and had a conversation with him, I wouldn't have only realized what kind of person he is today.

"You two sit down, I'll get you something to eat."

Yingzi made tea for the two of them, put on her arm sleeves, and headed to the kitchen to cook.

Yang Jianguo chuckled and stood up, saying, "Let Minister Xu sit down; I have to show him what I can do."

"this."

Yingzi hesitated. There was no one to greet or keep the guests company when they came. What kind of situation was it if they all stayed in the kitchen?

"It's alright, he didn't come for me."

Yang Jianguo took out the notebook and placed it in front of Minister Xu, then tapped it with his finger and said, "The thing is here, take your time to look at it."

"Okay, no rush to eat, take your time."

Old Xu opened the notebook and buried himself in it.

Seeing his expression, sometimes frowning and sometimes beaming, Yingzi understood everything.

This woman came for her husband's ideals and ideologies.

"Jianguo, you're just going to show him this like that?"

As Yingzi kneaded the dough at the cutting board, she wondered what kind of relationship the other person had with him that made him so trusting.

As Yang Jianguo tidied up the vegetables, he laughed and said, "What's wrong with that? It's written for people to read. It would be a good thing if he could actually understand it."

"But what if he tells everyone? Won't he get into trouble?"

Yingzi knew that some of her husband's ideas were not good in the eyes of outsiders.

She was worried that someone might misinterpret it maliciously and cause him trouble.

"That would be even better. I really hope he does it, and it would be best if he told the whole world. The eyes of the people may be blinded, but one day they will see the light again."

"By then, who will be the good guy and who will be the bad guy? Whether what they did was right or wrong, future generations will judge."

"Those who want to sit on the backs of ordinary people and profit from their suffering will eventually be brought down by the people."

Yang Jianguo turned around and smiled brightly, "Don't forget, where there is oppression, there is resistance."

Chapter 742 I'm convinced, I can't eat this meal anymore.

Yang Jianguo prepared two hearty dishes today: one stewed in an iron pot and the other braised pork intestines.

A large iron pot, filled with stewed pork ribs, topped with two ounces of strong liquor, and cornbread cakes stuck to the side of the pot.

Put it on the stove inside the house and let it simmer and stew.

The firewood burned brightly, and waves of aroma wafted out from the gaps in the pot lid.

"Gulu~"

Old Xu, who was engrossed in his studies, was awakened by the aroma and felt hungry.

Clean the wrinkled intestines thoroughly, then use flour and cooking wine to knead them, removing all residue and grease.

Clean, blanch, add cooking wine, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, and two star anise.

Cook it very thoroughly, skimming off any foam.

After you've finished cooking, take it out and immediately throw it into cold water. Knead it for a while, then take it out, cut it up, and start stir-frying.

I also added some white wine while stir-frying.

However, it is made from the finest Fenjiu liquor, which enhances the aroma and flavor.

Once cooked, the amber-colored pork intestines are piled in a golden-yellow broth, topped with red and green chili pepper segments and white scallion segments.

Picking up a piece, the fatty intestines bounced back and forth in the chopsticks, making one's mouth water just looking at it.

"Gudong."

Swallowing hard, Old Xu really couldn't stand it anymore.

"Jianguo, did you really do this?"

Looking at the four dishes and one soup on the table, plus the stew in the iron pot, Minister Xu felt a surge of admiration.

Look at this leader, his work is impeccable.

Regardless of whether you get along with him or not, deep down you admire or even respect him.

And look at this lifestyle, this craftsmanship, wow!

You really can't compare people; if you do, you'll just make yourself angry.

"Stop looking, just take it with you later, let's eat first."

Yang Jianguo gestured for him to put the chopsticks in front of him, then turned to his wife and said, "Yingzi, bring out my good wine."

"Eh!"

Yingzi took out a bottle of unopened new Moutai from the cabinet.

"Wow~ Moutai?"

Old Xu chuckled and nodded at him, "That's kind of you, Jianguo. Then I won't stand on ceremony."

At their level, there's a monthly quota.

It's not surprising that Yang Jian's family has Moutai, but it would be surprising if he could bring it out to entertain himself.

At least, Minister Xu felt that he valued him.

"Sis, brother-in-law, what delicious food have you made?"

Suddenly a voice came from outside, and Li Aimin swaggered in carrying large and small bags.

"Oh, we have guests at home."

Upon seeing Minister Xu, Li Aimin smiled politely, placed the items against the corner of the wall, and said, "Sister, these are things I brought back for you and my brother-in-law from Hainan."

Yang Jianguo also introduced to Minister Xu, "This is my wife's younger brother, Li Aimin. You should have heard of him."

How could I not have heard of him? He was the number one speculator, a patriotic businessman who was also listed on the official website.

The amount of money he has donated over the years must be in the nine figures.

Moreover, he never takes advantage of public resources, is extremely careful in his work, and particularly enjoys dealing with foreigners.

The people on the street who dress up in fancy clothes and set traps for lecherous men are called "honey trappers."

He also had a similar nickname: 'The Jumping Foreigner'.

Anyone who tried to outsmart him or set traps for him ended up getting tricked by him.

Everyone says that he has a master guiding him, but no one knows who it is.

"Xu Guoqiang, just call me Lao Xu."

Xu Guoqiang didn't introduce his position, but Li Aimin politely addressed him as "Brother Xu".

"Since you're a guest, I must first offer you a toast, Brother Xu. You're my brother-in-law's friend, so you're like an older brother to me. I have to offer you a toast."

Li Aimin has traveled all over the country, worked his way up, dabbled in all sorts of businesses, and has a bit of everything. He's a shrewd and capable man who has connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles.

Even without the other party's introduction, just looking at his demeanor, one could tell that he had almost the exact same air about him as his brother-in-law.

The way he spoke, his intonation, the pauses and hesitations—you could tell he must be a high-ranking official.

Therefore, the necessary face and pomp must be given.

If we hadn't run into her, that would have been fine, but if we had, she, as the brother-in-law, would have had to make things right for her brother-in-law.

Without saying a word, the two of them sat down together, clinking their glasses repeatedly and shouting at each other louder and louder.

As they were talking, the stew in the iron pot was ready. Yingzi lifted the lid and used a spoon to scoop the ribs and broth into a small pot, then lit the alcohol underneath.

Place the small pot on the alcohol burner base, with the ribs bubbling inside, and flatbread soaked in the broth and aroma of alcohol placed beside it.

"Come on, try my iron pot stew."

Yang Jianguo pointed with his chopsticks, inviting the two of them to try it first.

If we don't stop them, and they keep drinking like this, one of them will be completely drunk before they can leave.

Yang Jianguo's iron pot stew received unanimous praise.

Old Xu, who had drunk quite a bit, gave a thumbs up with admiration: "I'm impressed, Jianguo, I'm truly impressed."

"You're something else."

He does his job well, has high personal achievements, is knowledgeable in technology, economics, management, and even political ideology...

A harmonious family life also allows one to prepare a delicious meal.

If I were a woman, I'd be just as confused if I met a man like that.

"Sister-in-law, you are so blessed."

Hearing Lao Xu say that, Yingzi smiled and nodded: "Yes, I also feel that I am so lucky to have found such a good man."

"Hey, you can't say that."

Yang Jianguo said with a mix of joking and seriousness, "It is because I married you that I have become who I am today. If anyone is blessed, it is my blessing."

"Old Xu, my wife was incredibly beautiful when she was young."

"And then there's the house, where she takes care of everything inside and out. I'm not exaggerating when I say that if she were to leave for a whole day, I probably wouldn't even be able to find my underwear."

"The green plants in the yard outside, and the decorations in the yard."

Yang Jianguo pointed to the ceiling: "The roof was leaking before, and she hired someone to fix it. I know nothing about these things."

"Don't let my glamorous image outside fool you; I'm a leader. But back home, she's my boss. I can't get anything done without her!"

As Yang Jianguo spoke, he placed his hand on the back of his wife's hand. The moment they looked at each other, the affection in their eyes was so sweet it was like adding five pounds of lard to pork ribs.

Old Xu suddenly lost his appetite, turned to look at Li Aimin beside him who also looked disgusted, and said, "I think we should stop eating here... I really can't eat anymore."

Chapter 743 Heart to Heart, The Final Showdown