Chapter 139.2

Han Cheng’s reporting work in the capital went smoothly. He received high praise from the leaders and was rewarded with many things. On the last day, during the dinner, each person was given a gift bag containing Peking duck, braised pork knuckles, and more.

Han Cheng directly took these items to the alley where Grandpa Zhang lived. He paused for a while when passing by a certain courtyard and continued walking.

He stopped in front of the crooked-neck locust tree, knocking on the already-renovated gate of the courtyard.

Zhang Hongtu opened the door and said, “Han Cheng? Why are you here so early today?”

Han Cheng handed him the things in his hand and said, “Today is the last day; there’s no need for me to go there tomorrow.”

Zhang Hongtu told them, “You guys are really busy, only letting the people out on the twenty-seventh day of the lunar year. Why did you bring so many things? Bring them back for Fantuan and the others to eat.”

Han Cheng shook his head. “These don’t last long, it’s perfect to have an extra dish on New Year’s Eve. The old leader likes to eat them.”

Zhang Hongtu said: “For someone in the capital, it’s easy to get these. You can eat the elbows and roast duck first. I’ll go stand in line later and buy some for you to take back. The Beijing Eight Treasures can be kept for later.”

The two families were originally close, and Han Cheng wouldn’t quibble over these trivial matters with him.

The quadrangle was simple and elegant, but well organized. Since the grandson arrived, the old man has felt a new sense of hope in life. No longer as unkempt as before. He cut his hair, shaved his beard, and wore a proper military coat. His whole face is radiant and energetic, looking more than ten years younger. In addition, the courtyard looked like it had been specially tidied up by someone, and a lot of furniture had been added. There’s a greenhouse built into the small vegetable garden. The whole courtyard looks like a lively place, and the atmosphere at home is also good.

Xiao Zhuzi was rarely so happy. Seeing Han Cheng, he was especially joyful. If he didn’t see Uncle Han for a day, he was worried that he wouldn’t come to pick him up and take him back to Sujia Village. “Uncle Han, you finally came!”

Yali poured tea for Han Cheng: “Xiao Zhuzi is always worried that you won’t keep your promise to take him back to Sujiay Village. His heart has long flown there with Fantuan and the others.”

Han Cheng rubbed the child’s head. “I won’t break my promise to you. How about it? Have you chosen a proper name?”

Xiao Zhuzi nodded with narrowed eyes. “Yes, I have a proper name. Xiuyuan, Zhang Xiuyuan.”

Han Cheng thought for a moment, “The road is long and winding, requiring cultivation and progress. I will search high and low, exploring in all directions. What a good name.” ^[1]The first part expresses the metaphor of life’s journey as a long and winding road that requires cultivation and progress. Overall, it means it reflects a thoughtful attitude toward … Continue reading

Xiao Zhuzi nodded again and said, “I really like it too.”

The old man likes to read “Songs of Chu,”  and he had listed several names from it. Xiao Zhuzi chose Xiuyuan, while the old man personally preferred “Junran.” However, the grandson’s preference was the most important. Now, he has a great-grandson, and that was enough for him. ^[2]The Chu ci, variously translated as Verses of Chu, Songs of Chu, or Elegies of Chu, is an ancient anthology of Chinese poetry, including works traditionally attributed mainly to Qu Yuan and Song Yu … Continue reading

The old man heard Han Cheng’s arrival and immediately set aside the book in his hand to come out of the room. Seeing Han Cheng, he first scolded, “You little rascal.”

Han Cheng knew why he was scolding him and was mentally prepared for it: “Old Chief, the Chief didn’t explicitly mention Xiao Zhuzi’s identity. Zhao Xianfeng and I only speculated based on appearance until later. Last time, when you didn’t let me enter the courtyard, the issues with Hongtu and Yali were still unresolved. With numerous eyes around, phones and letters are under surveillance to avoid complications before resolving the matter.”

The old man naturally understood the complexity of the situation. He thanked Han Cheng for taking care of his grandson but couldn’t resist scolding him: “Nonsense, you’ve hidden my grandson for so long, and you still want to find excuses?”

Han Cheng touched his nose and said, “I dare not.”

The old man didn’t believe him at all, not even a single bit: “You dare not? How about this? Next summer vacation or winter vacation, bring your child over to stay with me for a while. Otherwise, I won’t let you off.”

As his grandson and Han Cheng’s child had a strong bond, Xiao Zhuzi couldn’t stay away for long; they would always want to go back. This New Year, they were planning to leave on the second day, causing the old man great frustration, as he only saw his grandson once a year for a few days.

Without consulting Su Xiaoxiao, Han Cheng couldn’t agree immediately, so he said, “I need to discuss it with Xiaoxiao. In fact, you can also come and stay with us at the military base. Our yards are adjacent, making it very convenient.”

The old man had thought about it, but despite not returning to work, he had plenty of matters to attend to and couldn’t be away for too long. This year, however, it might be possible.

Yali also chimed in, “Dad, Han Cheng’s Xiao Roubao and Xiao Tangyuan are still young. It’s inconvenient for them to come all the way to the capital. It would be better for you to come and stay with us for a while.”

The old man was tempted, but he waved his hand and said, “Let’s talk about it later.”

In any case, Han Cheng had to stay for a few days. The old man had plenty of time to have a good chat with him.