Chapter 402 The wheel of history rolls forward

Several months passed in a flash.

It is Mid-Autumn Festival again. Mid-Autumn Festival is an extremely important festival in the minds of Chinese people.

According to the tradition of the Xia people, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, one can watch the dance of Chang'e under the full moon, taste the sweet fillings of mooncakes, reunite with the family, and enjoy the happiness of family life.

As the saying goes, "The moon on the 15th is fuller on the 16th." A full moon still carries people's homesickness and wish for reunion.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional folk festival in summer. It has many names, such as Moon Festival, Moonlight Festival, Moon Eve, Autumn Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Moon Worship Festival, Moon Lady Festival, Moon Festival, Reunion Festival, etc.

Speaking of its history, it has a long history. Since ancient times, people have worshipped the moon and celestial phenomena on the autumn evening.

In the agricultural society, people believed that the movement of the moon was related to agricultural production and seasonal changes, so they used items to worship the moon in order to pray for a good harvest and a happy reunion.

During the Han Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival moon worship became popular and was finalized in the Tang Dynasty. The "Book of Tang·Taizong Ji" recorded the "Mid-Autumn Festival on August 15th". Gradually, local customs such as moon worship, moon appreciating, moon cakes, watching lanterns, appreciating osmanthus, and drinking osmanthus wine were developed and have been passed down to this day.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the festive atmosphere became even stronger.
"On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the moon is worshipped. The cakes must be round, the melons must be cut in an angular pattern, and the petals must be carved like lotus flowers. ... If a wife has a husband who has returned home, she must return to her husband's house on this day. It is called the Reunion Festival."

During this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, the Liu family welcomed an unprecedented reunion.

The new bride Liu Zhiruo returned home today and gathered with her second brother Liu Zhitai who had just returned from a foreign country, and her eldest brother Liu Zhiye who had just graduated with honors from the Military Academy.

What is even more gratifying is that the family is about to welcome a new life. He Hongmei, who is more than three months pregnant, adds a bit of warmth and anticipation to the reunion.

It is rare that so many people from the Liu family gather together to enjoy the bright moon and celebrate the festival.

Although the family reunited, the festive atmosphere in the Liu family seemed a little cold this year. The family only made traditional mooncakes and had a meal together.

After dinner, the family sat around in the moonlit courtyard, talking in low voices. Liu Zhiye frowned slightly, turned his eyes gently to Liu Zhitai, and asked briefly and concernedly: "Zhitai, is your college doing well recently? Do you have any difficulties?"

Liu Zhitai was a little depressed when he heard this. He only wanted to teach and educate people and do research, regardless of other right and wrong, but the current environment does not allow it. "Brother, the school is in a mess recently. Students are going... Many teachers and professors... I don't know what to do."

After hearing this, Liu Zhiye patted his brother on the shoulder and said firmly: "If you are not satisfied with your work, then be decisive and quit. Come home, the Chinese Medicine Research Institute in Liujiazhuang is eager for fresh blood like you."

"We can't care about the turmoil in the outside world, but in Liujiazhuang, everything remains the same. This will be an ideal place for you to concentrate on your research and stay away from the hustle and bustle. It is a quiet harbor where you can concentrate on the field of traditional Chinese medicine."

When Liu Zhitai heard this, his face suddenly lit up with joy.

He had long been eager to return home, but due to his brother Liu Zhiye's authority and high hopes, he dared not express it.

He knew very well how much expectations his elder brother had placed on him, and this pressure made him hesitant.

But at this moment, his inner desire finally overcame his concerns, and he was ready to resign immediately and return to Liujiazhuang to focus on his research.

Today, Liujiazhuang’s Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute has been completely renovated and has brought together many of the country’s top experts in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

As the tide of the times advances, those medical masters who were once hesitant about whether to stay or leave have also brought their families and fled to this land full of hope.

For a time, Liujiazhuang seemed to have become a fertile ground for talents in traditional Chinese medicine. Talents emerged in large numbers like mushrooms after a rain, injecting new vitality and glory into this ancient land.

No matter what's happening outside, Liujiazhuang is relatively peaceful. Some of the problems are just related to the situation. It's still the same as before.

As the eldest brother and the recognized head of the family, Liu Zhiye began to arrange the future of the whole family.

"Hongmei, since you are pregnant now, Uncle He is very busy and cannot take good care of you.

Since Zhitai has returned, I suggest that you consider leaving Union Hospital and transferring to the hospital in Liujiazhuang. Although it is not as prominent as Union Hospital, it is also a major medical center in the local area, and your family can take care of you closely, which will be safer. What do you think? "After dealing with his younger brother's affairs, Liu Zhiye turned to carefully plan the future of his younger brother and sister-in-law.

He Hongmei nodded without hesitation and agreed readily: "Brother, we will listen to you and go to complete the resignation procedures as soon as we get to work. Going home is more important to me than anything else. As for work, it makes no difference with or without it. Given the current situation in our family, one more or one less of me won't make much difference, haha..." Her laughter was full of relief and expectation.

Hearing this, Liu Zhiye couldn't help but smile.

Indeed, the Liu family's wealthy financial situation is enough to ensure that the whole family can live a life of ease and comfort even if they do not work and just sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

This confidence makes their lives seem particularly relaxed.

Liujiazhuang, although prosperous but also closed, is where most members of the Liu family live.

Among them, what Liu Zhiye was most worried about was the safety of his younger brother Liu Zhitai and his wife. Following closely was the situation of Liu Tielin's family, which also made him difficult to let go.

In order to ensure the safety of family members and avoid any accidents, Liu Zhiye made a resolute decision - to bring Liu Zhitai and Liu Tielin's families back to Liujiazhuang and place them within his sight so that he could guard them closely and ensure their safety.

The situation of younger sister Liu Zhiruo is much better. She works at the Nuclear Research Institute, a shining pearl in the field of scientific research in Xia State. Not only is it hidden due to its high degree of confidentiality, but also because of the strong security forces surrounding it, ensuring the absolute safety and stability of the scientific research environment.

Furthermore, my younger sister’s in-laws are not ordinary people, and their family background is profound and should not be underestimated. My younger sister herself is indifferent and does not compete with the world. She is only focused on scientific research and exploration, as if the troubles of the world have nothing to do with her.

Naturally, few people would want to provoke her, let alone cause trouble. After all, in the eyes of everyone, she is a clear stream, focused on her own world and isolated from the world.

Therefore, Liu Zhiye was most relieved about the situation of his younger sister Liu Zhiruo and chose not to interfere in her life.

In addition, Liu Zhiye is also working hard to persuade his father-in-law Gan Gong and Professor Cui to resign immediately and settle down in Liujiazhuang to stay away from trouble.

However, Mr. Gan and Professor Cui have deep feelings for the job to which they have devoted their entire lives and find it difficult to give up.

This situation made Liu Zhiye worried. Compared with others, the professional fields of these two people were like the center of a storm, full of dangers. If they were not careful, they might fall into an irretrievable situation.

Gan Ning, as Liu Zhiye's bedside companion, knew his inner worries well.

At first, she was skeptical about Liu Zhiye's words and had some doubts in her heart.

Until, as time went by, everything Liu Zhiye said came true one by one, as if a prophecy had come true. This completely dispelled Gan Ning's doubts and made her believe in Liu Zhiye even more.

Influenced by this, Gan Ning was also extremely worried. She went home many times, patiently explained the situation to her parents, and urged them to put everything aside and settle down in Liujiazhuang.

This place is like a paradise, and she can take care of her parents nearby. Moreover, she has the protection of the Liu family, so at least there are no troubles to disturb their peace.

However, Gan Gong was stubborn in his bones. "Don't worry about us, the two of you. I have seen all kinds of storms in my life. Your mother and I have always acted upright and never taken the wrong path. What is there to be afraid of?"

Professor Cui also disagreed, "The school is indeed in a mess recently. It's normal for young people to be impulsive... But I believe that the campus will return to peace soon. You guys, don't worry about me."

Although Gan Ning was extremely anxious, she was helpless with the attitude of the two elders. She tried to persuade them many times, but they always rejected her lightly on the grounds that they were too busy with work. The two elders' words revealed an unquestionable determination.

“Hey, look, our bureau is investing in the research and development of new rocket propulsion systems. This project is at a critical juncture. How can I run away from the battlefield and act like a deserter?” Gan Gong’s words showed his passion for his career and his desire for his daughter’s understanding.

Professor Cui, my mother, felt the same way. She responded gently but firmly: "Yes, I still have a group of master's and doctoral students waiting for my guidance. They have not yet completed their studies. How can I easily let go of my responsibilities and let them fend for themselves? This is not only irresponsible to them, but also indifferent to their future prospects."

After returning home, Gan Ning immediately told Liu Zhiye that his persuasion had been fruitless. His tone was somewhat anxious: "Alas! Zhiye, the situation is not good. The two elders are determined and refuse to come. I have tried my best to persuade them but failed to sway them. You have to use your brain quickly and come up with a countermeasure. I am really afraid that they will make a mistake."

Liu Zhiye was scratching his head when he heard this. His father-in-law and his family were unwilling to resign and come to Liujiazhuang, and he couldn't force them to come. What could he think of?

…………

Since ancient times, the Mid-Autumn Festival in various places has some regional characteristics, and the Mid-Autumn Festival in the old capital also has special Beijing-style traditions and customs. However, with the changes in the world, the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival has been filled with different contents and given different colors in each different era.

This year's Mid-Autumn Festival is a little different from previous years, and it seems rather deserted.

On the Mid-Autumn Festival, Old Yan's family prepared mooncakes and placed them on the dining table. Then before dinner, Yan Bugui led the whole family to sing "The East is Red" and recite "Three Old Articles" in front of the statue of XX...

Old Yan's family makes their own mooncakes. During this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, the market was relatively quiet. Most areas have stopped selling mooncakes, as well as traditional "rabbit gods" and other...

People could no longer buy mooncakes to eat, so many people later made mooncakes themselves, and some even made sugar cakes instead.

Yan Zhaodi took a bite of the mooncake made by her mother, frowned slightly, and couldn't help muttering: "Mom, why does this mooncake taste weird? It feels empty inside, with no filling..."

Hearing this, Yan Bugui's eyes shone. He glanced at her and said sternly, "If you don't like it, put it down. You've only had a few days of peace and you've started to be picky. Back then, our family was so poor that mooncakes like this were a luxury. But you never complained at all and ate them more deliciously than anyone else..."

“Hahahaha…” The three unscrupulous brothers on the side laughed together when they saw this.

Yan Jiefang glanced at his family members sitting there and said, "We were really poor back then. I remember one year, oh, that was ten years ago."

"On the 15th of that year, my dad was given a pound of mooncakes by the school. He was very happy because there were four mooncakes in a pound. If we split them in half, our whole family could have a bite."

"How could I have known that as soon as my dad left school, he saw a freshman in his class hiding in a corner crying..."

At that time, Yan Bugui walked straight to Lin Litong and asked with concern: "Lin Litong, why are you crying here?"

"Have you been wronged? Don't be afraid, tell the teacher, the teacher will support you."

Lin Litong's eyes were filled with tears and he choked up as he answered, "Teacher Yan, today is the Reunion Festival, but I haven't seen my parents for a long time..."

Yan Bugui's heart tightened, and he quickly asked, "Where did your parents go?"

Lin Litong sobbed and said, "They have joined the army and gone to fight. I haven't seen them for many years..."

Yan Bugui had a rough idea in his mind after hearing this. The child's parents might have... He suppressed his grief and continued to ask, "Who have you lived with all these years?"

Lin Litong said: "I follow my grandma, she comes to pick me up every day, but I have waited until now, and she still hasn't come to pick me up. Teacher Yan, does grandma not want me anymore?"

Yan Bugui's heart tightened, and he felt an ominous feeling. He gently patted Lin Litong's shoulder and comforted him, "Don't let your imagination run wild. Grandma loves you so much, how could she abandon you? Maybe something urgent happened and she got in trouble. Come, Teacher Yan will take you home."

After hearing this, Lin Litong's tears were instantly replaced by a smile, and he said gratefully: "Thank you, Teacher Yan!"

When he arrived at Lin Litong's house, Yan Bugui caught a glimpse of the martyr's family sign hanging on the door and immediately had the answer in his mind.

As you step into the Lin family’s doorstep, what comes into view is the desolate scene of the house being left with nothing but bare walls.

On the sickbed, the child's grandmother was dying, but she still tried to hold on to her sick body and wanted to get up to greet Yan Bugui's arrival. Seeing this, Yan Bugui hurriedly persuaded her with gentle words, asking the old lady to rest in peace.

After a conversation, I learned that Lin Litong's parents died heroically during the war to resist M and aid Korea and sacrificed their lives for the country.

However, the grandmother felt sorry for her grandson's young age and could not bear to see him suffer the pain of losing his parents too early, so she made up a gentle lie and told him that his parents would return when he grew up.

Yan Bugui looked solemn, his brows knitted, and his tone was somewhat helpless: "Isn't there any government that doesn't know about your family's situation..."

The child's grandmother gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, her voice choking a little: "The government is in charge, and they pay pensions every year. During the holidays, leaders come to visit in person. But my health is getting weaker and weaker, and the medical expenses and medicines are a considerable expense..."

"Alas, everything in the world is suffering, and every family has its own unspeakable secrets." Yan Bugui, an ordinary primary school teacher, claims that raising four children is not easy enough, but he doesn't know that the bitterness of the world is far beyond his imagination.

Faced with the complicated affairs of the world, he felt powerless. At the time of parting, he could only give the heavy one-pound mooncakes newly distributed by the school to the grandparents and grandchildren to express his humble thoughts.

Since the Mid-Autumn Festival of that year, Yan Bugui never brought mooncakes home again.

This festival cannot be celebrated without mooncakes, so I made a big pancake myself, which is empty of filling but full of warmth, and served it as a mooncake. The whole family sat around and ate it together, feeling a special feeling in their hearts.

Over the years, the Yan family's life has been getting better and better. During the holidays, the children always feed them, so much so that Yan Zhaodi has become picky.

Now when my eldest brother talks about the past, he feels a bit like recalling the good old days.

Ran Qiuye and Yu Li, the sisters-in-law, couldn't help feeling a little curious when they heard these stories from the past.

By the time the two of them married into the Yan family, the Yan family was no longer the same as it used to be and the family situation had improved greatly, so they did not personally experience the difficult times of the Yan family.

But sometimes they would feel that their father-in-law Yan Bugui seemed to be a very frugal and even calculating person.

Although the Yan family was quite well-off, he was always reluctant to enjoy himself and was extremely stingy with food, clothing and other expenses.

However, when I heard about his past experiences, I couldn't help but feel a complicated emotion.

Come to think of it carefully, it has not been easy for Yan Bugui to come this far. Those seemingly harsh behaviors now seem to be more understandable.

…………

Middle Court.

Qin Jingru quietly chewed the bland food in the bowl without saying a word, and the atmosphere seemed a bit dull. Opposite her, Jia Zhang sat upright, her face gloomy, her eyes revealing a bit of displeasure, as if even this simple meal had become the source of her unhappiness.

Banggeng and his two brothers and sisters sat on both sides, each with their heads down eating, occasionally looking up and exchanging glances, but the subtle atmosphere at the table could not be concealed.

Finally, Jia Zhang could no longer hold back and directly questioned Qin Jingru: "Qin Jingru, what do you mean?"

Qin Jingru slammed her chopsticks on the table and asked, "What's wrong with me? Explain it to me clearly!"

Jia Zhang's triangular eyes glared, and her tone was sharp: "What else? I ask you, where are the mooncakes distributed by the factory? Where did they go?"

Qin Jingru glanced at her sideways and said disdainfully: "I took it to see my sister, is that not okay?"

When Jia Zhang heard this, she was furious: "What are you going to give her? Our three children haven't eaten yet!"

Qin Jingru sneered and said sarcastically, "I think you didn't get any food yourself, did you?"

Jia Zhang was speechless for a moment, and said indignantly: "Today is a festival, you should at least prepare something decent to satisfy everyone's cravings. This bland soup, is it for feeding pigs?"

Qin Jingru rolled her eyes when she heard this, and said with a bit of impatience: "My pockets are cleaner than my face, what can I do? I'm exhausted after a day's work, and I have to serve your whole family when I come home, but you're still picky. If you don't like it, forget it, who indulged you with this bad habit!"

"You...you..." Jia Zhang was so angry that she gasped for breath and couldn't speak for a long time.

Qin Jingru did not show any weakness and continued, "What do you mean by 'I'? I warn you, don't compare me with Qin Huairu. I can't learn her way of being submissive. I, Qin Jingru, am not a soft persimmon that can be manipulated by anyone!"

At this moment, Jia Zhang missed Zhao Zhongxiang very much, no, Qin Huairu.

(End of this chapter)