Chapter 9: Seeking Relatives…

Although He Maozhu’s barrage of questions was a bit abrupt and certainly inappropriate for the street, judging from his reaction, it was clear that he had already noticed something from He Yulan’s appearance. He also seemed to understand the implication behind Fang Dahai’s comment about how he looked a bit like her father.

Since that was the case, Fang Dahai figured this matter needed to be handled properly.

“Uncle, look—shouldn’t we maybe change the setting before continuing this conversation?”

As soon as Fang Dahai spoke, He Maozhu snapped out of it a bit and turned around—oh boy, there was already a thick crowd surrounding them, more people than you’d see watching a street performance.

Looking at the neighbors eagerly waiting for a tearful family reunion drama, He Maozhu wasn’t pleased. His face darkened, and he waved his hand, shouting:

“Nothing to see here, folks! It’s not like anyone’s tipping for the show!”

Heh, the man standing front and center wasn’t having that.

“Master He, how do you know there won’t be tips? How about giving us a show first?”

“Yeah, maybe we’ll tip if it’s good!”

If this kept going, it might really turn into an argument. Fang Dahai looked at He Maozhu and nearly smacked his own forehead. You’re in your thirties, man—don’t you know there’s a time and place for everything? Now is not the time for banter. He tugged at him helplessly and reminded him:

“Uncle, uncle, Yulan’s getting anxious—let’s go, alright?”

He Maozhu wasn’t a fool, of course. He knew this wasn’t the time for bickering—he was just a little embarrassed from being put on the spot. Now that Fang Dahai had offered him a way out, of course he’d take it.

“Alright, alright, we’ve got business to take care of—see you all tomorrow if you’re still in the mood for drama!”

The banter was all in good fun, but when He Maozhu actually started packing up his stall, the crowd realized this might really be a reunion with long-lost relatives. Since they had family matters to handle, no one tried to stop them.

Even the guy who had been the most argumentative nodded and said:

“Master He, if they’re really your relatives, introduce them to us tomorrow, alright? We’re all old neighbors—can’t have our own folks walking past us without even recognizing them.”

Recognize? More like you just want to gossip! Given how chaotic the times were, anyone still in the mood to chase juicy drama was either carefree by nature or had powerful backing—or maybe even a news broker. But that wasn’t something Fang Dahai would comment on lightly.

Years of training with the Jinyiwei had made Fang Dahai cautious and sharp. He glanced sidelong at the few people in front who had been paying the closest attention to his family, memorizing their faces. Then, pulling the cart and calling out to his younger siblings, he followed He Maozhu into the maze of alleys.

Strangely enough, they seemed to be heading right into Nanluoguxiang, the very area Fang Dahai had been staring at earlier. The coincidence made his emotions stir—he didn’t know how to feel.

Nanluoguxiang was a long, straight north-south alley. There weren’t actually that many homes with doors opening directly onto it, but there were tons of narrow cross-streets running east-west, with so many twists and turns it felt like there was a new corner every few steps. As they continued south, Fang Dahai’s memory slowly began to stir.

When they arrived at Mao’er Hutong, Fang Dahai was still in a daze—until He Maozhu in front suddenly turned.

“Mao’er Hutong?”

“Huh? Kid, you sure know your way around here!”

Crap. That just slipped out and might make He Maozhu suspicious. In times like these, there were spies from all sorts of factions everywhere. He’d better not assume these kids were some kind of agents too!

That wouldn’t do. As coincidental as today’s events were, even if just for the sake of keeping future trouble at bay, he had to explain this away properly—no slip-ups.

“Know my way around? Nah, not really. It’s just… this place is kind of famous.”

“Famous?” He Maozhu blinked. He’d lived here for years and had never heard it was famous.

“Uncle, you really don’t know? Back in the day, this area was the territory of the Jinyiwei.”

What? Jinyiwei? What’s that got to do with them? The Qing Dynasty’s long gone!

He Maozhu now looked completely baffled, like a seven- or eight-year-old hearing fairy tales for the first time. And not just him—Fang Dajiang also looked dazed.

Jinyiwei? Honestly, even though they were separated by hundreds of years, the name still carried weight. Why? Blame the Qing!

Ever since the late Qing court started falling apart, the people developed a taste for listening to tales about the Ming Dynasty’s founding. You’d hear about Zheng He’s voyages, Lord Zhang’s expeditions, the Yongle Emperor conquering the northern deserts—story after story of military glory. These gave the oppressed people of Beijing a chance to release their frustrations.

And since these were stories about the Ming Dynasty, how could they leave out the Jinyiwei? That name made a comeback across centuries. Later, even cheap tabloids started using Jinyiwei stories about busting corrupt officials to mock real-life corruption. The buzz hasn’t died down since.

So although Fang Dahai used the Jinyiwei reference to explain himself, He Maozhu was still a little confused—but his suspicion eased significantly. In fact, he even got curious and stopped walking altogether to ask Fang Dahai:

“I’ve heard about it too. They say that during the Ming Dynasty, the area around the imperial city was inhabited by the Twelve Guards, but the Jinyiwei…”

“The Jinyiwei had the Northern and Southern Zhenfu Departments. You know that, right?”

Arriving here and talking about the Jinyiwei, Fang Dahai felt an immense sense of strength in his heart. Although he had been sent to the north not long after he traveled back in time, and the work was tough and heartbreaking, eventually costing him his life, when compared to the current embarrassing situation and the first life as a useless person, perhaps this was the most fulfilling professional experience of his life. The pride in his heart was so strong that even a coffin lid couldn’t contain it.

“Ah, I’ve heard of it.”

“Hey, then how come you don’t know that the Northern Zhenfu Department is right in Mao’er Hutong?”

“Huh? Really?”

“More real than real gold! I heard it from an old man in the Thirteen Tombs. His family has guarded the royal tombs for generations and are closely related to the Jinyiwei.”

“Whoa, if that’s the case, then the area we live in is truly extraordinary.”

“Of course, Uncle. You’re so lucky to live in such a place, free from any evil influences or harmful energy.”

How do strangers build rapport easily? Fang Dahai provided a perfect example!

Gossip + compliments, it’s really quite effective!

Look, despite only just meeting, Fang Dahai and He Maozhu were already getting closer. Judging by their conversation now, who would believe that just minutes ago they were strangers?

With gossip as the glue, the last part of their journey was filled with lively chatter. When they reached the courtyard entrance, He Maozhu eagerly helped them lift the cart into the yard, while guiding them inside and introducing his house.

“My family’s place is in the central courtyard, in the main building.”

The central courtyard and the main building? This second uncle is really fortunate. Why do I say that? Because when Fang Dahai first entered, he immediately took a look around. The double doors with the four prominent door ornaments and the lion-shaped stone lions at both sides of the entrance, though damaged, still had their original grandeur. This was clearly a residence of a noble family!

After entering the yard, even though the paint on the pillars was almost gone, the grandeur of the place was still evident. This was just the back and front parts connected after passing through the flowered gates. The central courtyard must be even more impressive. And considering He Maozhu’s residence, the main building here must be spacious and imposing.

Look at He Yulan, who was just walking in a daze, holding the fragrant herbs and looking bewildered. Now, she was staring in awe, her mouth slightly open. Fang Dajing, who was rarely seen to be shy and childish, was carefully looking around, hiding behind Fang Dahai. Only Xiangcao seemed clueless, just turning her head around with no change in her expression.

Upon entering the central courtyard, Fang Dahai carefully assessed the height of the house. With its three rooms and the stone steps under the main building, he had a clearer judgment.

Although he hadn’t yet seen the back courtyard, judging by the scale, this house was at least a four-entry courtyard. If the back courtyard had side rooms and the main building there was of decent height, then this place might very well be a five-entry courtyard. With this kind of architectural layout, the original owner must have been a high-ranking noble, or even from the imperial family.

Who would have thought, the world changes so unpredictably that such a mansion could end up as a communal courtyard? What could have happened here? It’s truly hard to say.

As Fang Dahai’s thoughts raced, his pace didn’t slow. He followed He Maozhu to the main building of the central courtyard. Perhaps because it was around noon and most of the people in the yard were out trying to make a living, a woman finally emerged from the east wing. With curiosity in her eyes, she asked about them.

“Old He, why are you back so early today? Who are these people?”

“We met some relatives on the street, and it was inconvenient to talk there, so I brought them home.”

In those days, gender segregation was strict. Even neighbors in the yard wouldn’t directly converse with each other. But since He Maozhu was bringing outsiders into the yard, he thought it proper to explain, so he immediately responded loudly. Not only did he answer, but he also called out to his house.

“Dashun, Dashun?”

“Dashun went out to buy soy sauce, he’ll be back soon.”

As his voice echoed, a woman with a sickly look walked out from the main house. She had obviously heard He Maozhu’s loud voice and, though she was curiously eyeing the four children, she immediately put on a warm, polite expression as if dealing with relatives.

“The children are growing so well! Oh, there’s even a wooden barrel on the cart? That must be heavy. Maozhu, why aren’t you helping? Hurry up and move the cart to the porch so the kids can rest.”

From the tone, it was clear this was He Maozhu’s wife! Her emotional intelligence was impressive.

No matter what relative it was, anyone would feel good about her. She was the epitome of a good wife.

Wang Guixiang’s enthusiasm and attentiveness had the greatest effect on He Yulan. The girl who had been separated from her parents in her childhood couldn’t help but start shedding tears at the warmth and care. Wang Guixiang, seeing this, felt a bit at a loss and glanced at He Maozhu, whose expression grew more serious.

“You little brat, don’t tell me you’ve gone and had a bastard daughter, huh! My goodness, these ears do look a bit familiar! And those eyes, if they weren’t for the lack of big eyelids, you’d think they were the same, double eyelids and all.”

When He Maozhu saw his wife’s expression, his back broke out in a cold sweat. He hurriedly helped Fang Dahai place the cart on the porch and dragged the kids inside. As they walked, he said loudly:

“Wife, this girl’s name is He Yulan. Does it remind you of anything? I told you when Big Lian was born, that the next generation of girls in our family should have a grass radical in their name, and I even used this name as an example back then.”

Ignoring the nosy gossipers eavesdropping by the windows and doors of the courtyard, Wang Guixiang’s face showed a mix of surprise and joy as she grabbed He Yulan’s hand, carefully scrutinizing her before cautiously asking:

“Is your father’s name He Tiezhu?”

At this point, He Yulan had no doubt that she had found her family. She started crying and reciting her family tree:

“My father’s name is He Tiezhu. My grandfather’s name is He Quanf, and our family has been cooks in the village for three generations, our roots in Henan. My second uncle came to Beijing when he was 12 and worked as an apprentice at Xiangmanlou, and my grandfather personally sent him here.”

After saying this, her voice cracked with a mixture of hope and uncertainty as she looked at He Daqing and his wife, waiting for their judgment.

She was certain that this was her second uncle, but since her birth, she had never seen him, so could this family truly accept her? And what about the Fang family? They weren’t from the He family, could they really take her in?

In fact, as He Maozhu had led them home, he had already been preparing himself to recognize her. The name matched, her appearance and age matched; how could she not be his niece? But he hesitated, unable to believe in such coincidences, afraid that acting too rashly might bring trouble. Yet, despite this, he still wanted to bring her home, which showed his inclinations.

Now, hearing her recite the names he had been longing to hear, names he had worried about for years without any news, he couldn’t hold back his tears. He rubbed his hands nervously, accepting this niece with heartfelt emotion.

“Truly Big Brother’s child, Yulan, Yulan, I’m your second uncle, and this is your second aunt. Ever since 1942, when we lost contact with your family, I’ve been trying to find you. Today, finally, we’ve found our family again. But… why is it just you…”

He Maozhu glanced at Fang Dahai, who was standing to the side. Based on his appearance, it was clear he wasn’t part of the family, but why had he come along? What was their relationship? And where was Big Brother’s family? He had been careful not to ask all the way home because he was afraid of hearing something heartbreaking. Though he had heard of many such tragedies, he never imagined it could happen to his own family.

“Where is everyone else? Where are your parents? Your brothers? Your younger brothers?”

When He Maozhu asked this, he didn’t even realize that his voice was trembling, his expression was filled with anxiety and fear, making He Yulan burst into tears. The tears flowed like a flood, and only after she had cried herself out, did she manage to sit down with Fang Dahai’s support. After some time, she slowly began recounting the events of 1942.

“…We got separated when we fled in 1942. After that, I stayed with Aunt Fang’s family…”

Even though so many years had passed, recalling those hardships still pricked He Yulan’s heart. As she spoke through tears, He Daqing and his wife listened with heavy hearts.

“So, where did Big Brother’s family go? Why didn’t they come to find me? At that time, I lived behind the restaurant, and they knew where I was. They could have sent a letter at least…”

He Maozhu furrowed his brows tightly. When he had learned about the disaster in Henan, he had asked several people to search for his family in their hometown, but had found nothing. He wondered if they were all gone, though he still held on to a glimmer of hope. He had convinced himself that perhaps they had fled elsewhere, lost their contact details or something.

But now, with even a 12-year-old niece finding her way to him, and still no word from Big Brother’s family, his heart sank. Could it be that they had fled in the wrong direction? Had something truly happened to them? His mind raced, and the more he thought about it, the more scared he became.

Wang Guixiang had been watching He Maozhu’s expression. Seeing him in such distress, she hurriedly took his hand and gently comforted him.

“Think of it this way: since even a young child like Yulan has survived and found us, Big Brother’s family, with two adults, should also be able to make it. It’s just that with the war going on and travel so difficult, it’s probably not easy for them to come.”

Wang Guixiang’s words were meant to comfort, but they also reflected the harsh reality. From 1942 to now, in the nearby provinces around Beijing, there had been no peace, and it wasn’t easy to seek out family when you had no money or influence.

“Guess we’ll have to think like that.”

As the head of the family, He Maozhu knew it wasn’t the time to dwell on uncertainties. He sighed, acknowledging the situation and decided to change the topic.

“By the way, Fang Dahai, are you planning to stay in the city for good? Do you have any plans? You’re already 14, almost a man, so I won’t hide it from you, life in the city might not be easier than in the countryside.”

“I already heard from Yulan earlier,” He Maozhu said, “their village, where they had lived for several years, was attacked by fleeing soldiers. The old man, the pillar of the Fang family, also lost his life. So He Maozhu was very clear—these children must have come to the city because they couldn’t survive in the countryside anymore, they came to seek a way to survive.”

He thought, even though he owed the Fang family for saving his niece, he should at least help them more. He should even support them for a while, help them find a way to make money, or offer them a livelihood.

But the situation was different now. Didn’t he, a great cook, even start a food stall selling buns? Life in the capital was truly hard. So even if people said he was cold-hearted or indifferent, some things had to be said up front.

How could Fang Dahai not know the current situation? Even if he hadn’t realized it before, just seeing what was in front of his eyes when entering the city was enough to wake him up.

“Second Uncle, do you have any empty rooms in your yard? We want to settle down and find a place to stay first.”

Huh? Asking about a room? Settling down? Not asking anything else?

He Maozhu narrowed his eyes. He understood the underlying meaning of Fang Dahai’s words. This kid… seems to have a plan! Could it be… he saw through him?