Chapter 20: Cleaning the Courtyard

Chapter 20: Cleaning the Small Courtyard

Returning to his master’s home with his master, the mistress had already prepared the meal, waiting for the two of them to come back.

“Madam, I brought a jar of yellow wine. I’ll warm some up for you to drink. This wine beautifies the skin and delays aging,” He Yuzhu said to her.

When brewing the wine meant for close companions, he had added a touch of spiritual spring water. Though a small amount, long-term consumption could improve health and slow aging.

“Really? Then I’ll have some too,” the mistress replied.

No woman, regardless of age, could refuse the promise of beauty and youthfulness.

He Yuzhu found the wine warmer and heated a pot of wine. He and his master and the mistress each drank a few cups before stopping.

During the meal, his master inquired about the two courtyards He Yuzhu had purchased.

“Yuzhu, why did you buy two courtyards at once?” the mistress asked with concern.

“Master, Madam, the two courtyards are connected, so it’s more cost-effective to buy them together. Besides, houses have always been valuable, no matter the era,” He Yuzhu explained.

“Yuzhu, you still need to be careful. There have been many troubles caused by property disputes. Don’t talk about it carelessly outside,” Master Fan Dakang warned.

“Don’t worry, Master, I know what I’m doing. Yushui and I will live in the small courtyard near the pharmacy. As for the adjoining two-compound courtyard, I won’t bother with it. If I tamper with it a bit, anyone wanting to live there will have to spend money on repairs — more than building anew. That way, no one will have any ideas,” He Yuzhu said.

“Alas, you’ll still have to spend on repairs eventually,” Master said.

“When things settle down, I’ll renovate and connect the two courtyards,” He Yuzhu said.

“For now, that’s the best plan,” Fan Dakang said. “You shouldn’t go to work these few days. Focus on tidying the house before moving in.”

“Yuzhu, I’ll come help you clean tomorrow,” the mistress said.

“Madam, I can manage alone,” He Yuzhu replied.

“What do you mean you can manage alone? Tomorrow, Xiaoyao will be at school, I have nothing to do, and Xiaohu and Yushui can play anywhere. It’s settled,” the mistress insisted.

Seeing her decision, He Yuzhu said no more.

***

Early the next morning, Master Fan Dakang went to work while He Yuzhu, the mistress, Yushui, and Xiaohu headed to the small courtyard.

He Yuzhu opened the courtyard gate and led everyone inside.

“Brother, is this going to be our home?” Yushui asked, looking around the courtyard.

“Yes. How do you like it?” He Yuzhu asked.

“I like it. As long as you’re here, I’ll like anywhere,” Yushui said cheerfully.

He Yuzhu led them inside the main house.

“Madam, this house hasn’t been lived in for a while. I’ll start a fire first,” he said, gathering wood to light the fireplace in the living room. He also stoked the fire brick bed in the bedroom with some logs.

Moving to the kitchen in the west wing, He Yuzhu prepared to boil water. He turned on the tap in the yard but found it frozen. So, he fetched a bucket to draw water from the well. The water was clear. He filled the kitchen water container and started heating a large pot of water.

He then gathered all the pots, bowls, and utensils in the kitchen and stored them in his spatial pocket, cleaning them thoroughly before bringing them back out, ensuring they were safe to use.

Once the water boiled, he poured a cup to cool and tasted it—no off-flavors, good water. He filled a thermos and a large teapot, then carried several cups to the living room, placing them on the table.

“Madam, I’ve boiled the water, filled the thermos and teapot. These cups are from yesterday. Feel free to use them. The water will be cool enough to drink soon,” He Yuzhu said.

“Alright, leave them there. I’ll give some to Xiaohu and Yushui later,” she replied, setting down the broom.

“Madam, there’s still hot water in the kitchen. Don’t forget to wipe the tables. I’ll clean the yard,” He Yuzhu said.

“Brother, I’ll help you,” Yushui offered.

“Yuzhu, I’ll help too,” Xiaohu chimed in.

“Good. You both help Brother work, and I’ll make something delicious for you later,” He Yuzhu said.

“Brother, what will you cook?” Yushui asked.

“What do you want to eat? I’ll cook for you at noon,” He Yuzhu replied.

“I want braised fish,” Yushui said.

“I want fish too,” Xiaohu added.

“Alright, let’s get to work. I’ll buy fish later and make braised fish for you,” He Yuzhu said.

He led the two children in cleaning the courtyard, though their help was more of a hindrance.

“Madam, you take Xiaohu and Yushui back first. I’ll go to the market to buy vegetables,” He Yuzhu said, glancing at his pocket watch.

“You go ahead. I’ll finish wiping this table and then bring them back,” she said.

He Yuzhu rode his bicycle to the market and browsed around but found nothing to buy. Then he went to a shop and bought two pounds of Mouse-shaped candies—the precursor to White Rabbit milk candy.

On the way back, he stopped in a secluded spot, quickly pulling a carp, some pork belly, cucumbers, and tomatoes out of his spatial pocket.

Returning to his master’s house, the mistress had not yet come back, so He Yuzhu took the ingredients into the kitchen and began preparing lunch.

Just as he finished prepping the ingredients, the mistress arrived with Xiaohu and Yushui.

She came to help in the kitchen and, seeing the cucumbers and tomatoes, asked in surprise, “Where did you get these?”

“I found them outside the market, from a greenhouse,” He Yuzhu said.

“In winter, that’s rare and they’re so fresh,” she said.

Soon, lunch was ready: three-pound braised fish, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and stir-fried pork with cucumber. The pork belly wasn’t made into braised pork this time.

“Madam, let’s make dumplings tonight. I’ve been craving them,” He Yuzhu said.

“If you want them, I’ll make them. Let’s come back early this afternoon,” she replied.

After lunch, they rested briefly before returning to the courtyard to continue cleaning.

Since they planned to have dumplings for dinner, they ended early in the afternoon and returned to the master’s home.